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us .^t/JL^ ^
Hortiatb Conege tfbtwcf
BRIGHT LEGACY
Obc iaif tkc lacMM ftooi tkit L«gftey, wklek vm ra-
cdved !■ itto aUer tkc vUl of
JONATHAN BROWN BRIGHT
of WalckMi, MMMckoMitt, bto be czpca4e4 lor books
lor tbe Collie Uhmj. Tie ocber ialf of tbc Iscmm
b devoted to ■cbelanhipe !■ Heirttiti Uahrenitr lor the
beaeft otinnrnintM of
HBNRT BRIGHT, JR.,
(t WttoflowB. Mewocbmin, ia i6B& la tbe
of each deeeeadaate, ocber penoae tie eUflUe
totbeoebolanbiye. Tbe vUl lo^alrM tbai tbb aaaoaaco-
■eai eball be aade la everf book added to the Ubiaff
aaderiii pmHrioai.
0
HISTORY
OF V J HE
HUBBELL FAMIL"^,
CONTAINING A
GENEALOGICAL RECORD.
BY
WALTER HUBBELL.
ALSO
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, DEEDS, WILLS, INVENTORIES,
DISTRIBUTIONS OF ESTATES, MILITARY
COMMISSIONS, OBITUARIES,
AND MUCH ANCIENT HISTORICAL INFORMATION RELATING
TO THE FAMILY AND NAME.
FIRST EDITION.
^ NEW YORK:
J. H. HUBBELL & CO.,
407 AND 409 Broadway.
188L
'^ -•
f s r.
il
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Entered aoconiing to Act of Congress, in the year IS^O,
By WALTER JIl-BBELL,
In the Office of the Libnirian of Congrewrt, at Washington, D. C.
IlluMratHl bv
MORREI.I. RitOTHERit.
123 S. TMrd St., rhiladelpbU.
Printed by
Shkrman S. Co..
Serenth rimI rherry St.**., IMiihdolphia.
B>)uni by
Henry ALTBMr<«.
Fourth and riterrj Stt., Ihiladelphia.
«
R
2
6
8
6
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'vMj«,|ri| AA%*tltnrilj
''i % ^ ,
•■ ^ ■"■ )
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/Ly'
U 0 i?
Entered according to Act of ConjifreRS, in the ye4ar 1S80,
By WALTER HUBBELL.
In the Oflic'e of the Librarian of Congrew*, at Wtishiii^ton, D. C
IlliiAtrAtetl by
MORRKI.I. RltOTIIRR.«,
123 8. Tliird St., PhiladelphU.
Printed hy
SflKKMAN »V Co..
Seyenth and Cherry St».. IM»ilad<'lphia.
B«)UDd by
Henry ALTBMr*^,
Fourth and Cherrjr 8ti., Thlladelphia.
^
Vi
\;
V
>R
J6
15
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3
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8
9
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A
Ftavth lad Chwiy txa^ I'miMeipum.
CONTENTS.
JOFTHE FAMILY AND NAM K.
ilOGRAPHICAL SKFHVHRS.
ning Itecdn, Willn, [nvenluriFH, [>!«-
onx <if EOMt*, Military Commiy-
Obitiinrie)>, etc.
(ubbell
«r ('am|>l«ll llLlb]>cll i
a Sidney Hilbl>eli, I
lubbell 1
llout Hubbell i
uWiell,
Hiibbell,
Ljmna IliiliMl '1
>bell 1
B H.ibl>ell. i
Hiiblwli, -■ I
BcDJnmiii HiihWil I
ibelln Hiibi>eil :
Unbbell,
Hubbell.
lubbcll
liibWll
r Hiibbfll
Hiibtx-il, ;
^dwanlM IliibU-li, 1
HulJK^Il,
iibUll I
n IIuM^ll,
Hiibl^ll
Ilnbbeli. !
>il Wakemnn Hiiblx-li, . . . 1
Riirrilt HiibMI, 1
1 B. IIiibMI :
k AnpiiHliw llnlil>ell, ]
I Proicrick Mitrion IIubMI, 226
: George All>ert Hiihhell 20a
(lenrgcE. Hubbell, 192
Gi-orge William Hubbell 12<t
Gcnibom Hulibell, 73
Qiileoii Siimmcn HiihMI 108
Hiirvcy Hubbell 148
nenrjr Lyneii Hubbell 1B9
Henry WilKon Hubbell, 127
Hewkiiih Hubliell, 72
Hcu-kiab Hubbell 117
Hiram Hubbell, 121
! Hirani Hubbell ISO
I I Hiram Peiree Hubbell, 217
' Htiratio Nelxon Hubbell l-iS
1 1 Horatio Willitim Lrw Hubbell, ... 157
! ! Ids W. Hubbell, 21-7
I laaac.- Hubbell W
(llMacHubbell Ill
< I Jal>ez Hubbell 80
tl Jamea Hubl>ell Ill
> J:Mues Hubbell, l.'>2
1 JameK Hubbell, 43
> Jiiuieo Allen Hubl>ell, 22f,
I Jiinie* It.ij-d Hubbell, 223
> Jnuiui It Hubbell. 211
) James Wakemnn IluliUll, 20A
i Jliv am Hubbell, 211
i JeiUifliah Hubbell, 7!
t John Hubl«ll (he riiT 20
{ John Hnbliell the Sei-onH, Vi
) John Hubbell, dtl
) John HubWIl 77
I John Hubl)ell. . 83
) John Hubbell I(W
5 J<.hn D. Hublwll 227
1 John Ileniy Hubbell, 224
1 Johnson Hnibl*! lis
i Jonathan Hubbell, K
i Jonathan Hubliell, HI
l' Joseph Hubbell. 44
vi COXTfiXT:,.
.f/-^i;*h UuUiftW It U'i:ii.in. FIn^Ull -^o
.f'^ij.h MuKUII. . . ... I-J4 Wiliiriin r>:ivM FLiKMl 1-V2
Jiiliii- '^.fr-mr ffrihU'll. 117 Williani I^if;»y«rae Hii^MI. 207
J/'^r'-r FfiiriUII rJ*) Willi.ini I>-iri- HiiUi^lI 217
Ia-vi n>iU»«ll, 17:; Wijliaiii Mor^ HiiM.<riI 172
f.ofirii^ Trirfi- FliiKU-ll, \'/4 ^\ illiani Shf-il<.n HiiW>?ll IM
I^»/»« rifiMKll ir,:; William Stone HiibWI 2"^
I.M^li»* niiM^.|I 175 William Wheeler HiihMl 193
hiirnflfi liuhMl 1-,1 Wils^m IFubMl Ill
F.iifii«fi Uroy Ffii»»lHlI, t>:ii) WlUm FIubMl 200
MnriAwrmm FFiiMi*)!, 220 Wohotl FluWiell 84
Mftr> . KliwiU-tli FIiiMhII 220 Ziurhariah FiiiUiell 92
Mnttht'.w FfiiliUrll, m Tal»lo of Vr»yages «ailer1 hy Henry Wilson
Milow W IIiibMI, 1.W FltiM»ell, facing 145
SntUmi FIuMm-H r,7 F*oiin*lerV Oath, 18
Nathan IFiiMx*!! 71 FFistorical A(rount of Si. John*" F»Hge. . . 61
Nnthan IFiihhfll 88 Address to the Family, 177
Nathan FIiihlM-Il, 215 History of the First Church of Stratfield
NalhaniiO H.ihMl, 62 Pariah 13
OranK^Scot. FFuhMI 187 ARMORIAL ENSIGNS.
Ornn Acikut FFithhell, 234
Vt'U'.r if II hind 1, 49 Ancient fTcnea logical account of Hubbells
IVl«T lluhbcll 187 in Great Britain, 236
I'hilo I'nttcrHoii FFiiIiIn'II 154 Ix^tter from Henry Wilson Hubbell, ... 237
Kirhiinl Hiihbcll (he FirHi, 4
KirlmnI IliihU'lI tln!S<Toinl 32 POEMS.
Kii'lianl IIuhlN-ll,Hon ofjohn 40 -To Richard Hubbell the First." . . . . 239
Itichiird IIublM'll (he Third 58 "To the FarnierH," 115
iCichanl Hiibbell the Fourth, 81 '^One Week Ago," 209
Kichtiiiyer HiibU'Il 219 *♦ At Fifty-three," 209
Kicluird Ilcniy Hiibbell 222
HalmcMi Ilubbell 84 0 EN E A LOGICAL RECORD OF TEX
SumwMi IliHvcy IlubU'Il. 1S| CiENERATlONS, see, 241
SuMiiiel Hiibbell, Sr ;iS Ephraini Hubi>ell, of Sherman, Connecticut, 250
Sunuiel Hubbrll. .Ir l.'J . J inlediah Hui>bell, marries a fifth wife, . .250
Nanmol lluiibell 150 Mrs. Hannah Wheeler's Children, ... 252
S'lUiH Huliiiell 79 Anmum Hui)belI,of Provinceof New Bnins-
SiliisIIubiM.il, 110 wick 258
Silas Chur*'hilUlubbell 192 Richanl and (iershom IIui)l>ell, twins, . 257, 277
Sinjrletnn licall Ilubbell 225 J tweph P^rad ley, of Fairfield, Connecticut. .259
Sidvnuiu llubbi'li 170 Fluwer Family 268
SlephiMi HublH»ll. (it; (irahain Family 269
Stephen llui»lH»U, 171 Nathan HubUdlV 19 children and 5 step-
Stephen .lohnsou HubU'II 204 children, 269
Sullivan l>avis HubU»|l lot) Burr, Origin of. 270
Truman Mallory Hubbrll 1 IS .UHb^liah HubMl, Ohio Pioneer 274
Walter HubU^ll 77 Lyon Family 279
Walter HublvH. 04 WiUm Family 279
Walter HubMl 12r> I^ev. hMwin HubMl Chapin 288
Walter HubMl 235 FWth, Origin of. 288
COX77^:XTS,
Vll
8ilas liiibbell endeavuni to prevent tlie
burning of bibles,
Colonel Jotfe Noriega,
Ferdinand Christin,
fiamillie Farailv,
Baldey Family, Account of,
Captain Jonathan Godfrey
Luther Alrick Hall, .
Man Family, .
William Hubbell, Prisoner of War, . . .
Jonathan Gk)dfrey,
Adrain V. S. Schenck,
Calvin Goddard Child,
Eliiabeth Hubbell Schenck,
Cnrtitis, Origin of,
Chancellor Martin, Jr.,
Note to the reader,
301
302
327
343
344
348
378
378
378
378
383
387
398
FAUK
RECORDS TOO LATE FOR CLASS 1
FICATION, 399
UNCLASSIFIED RECORDS,
... 400
Cjitalogue of Meiubcf>. bearing ll»e name
Huhbell, willi date of adinisHion, Rev.
Henjainiii S. J. Page, Pa8t»n-, .... 423
ULstorical Notice, .......... 423
Membi»rs! named Hubbell, Mar. 1st, 1879,
Rev. Charles Rjiy Pahner, Pastor, . . . 423
Greenfield Church 423
Marriages of HubljcUs, in Stratfield Parish, 423
Members of Stratfield Parisli Church, from
1G95 to 1718, and dates of Membership, . 423
Renewal of Covenant by Members named
Hubbell, in Stratfield Parish Church, . . 424
List of persons named Hubbell. buried in the
anciont Stratfield Burying Ground, in
Bridgeport, (.'onn., 424
Householders in 1717, 424
Ancient Land Records 425
(iuards ap|X)inted in 1777, ... 425
Claims before 1800 425
Letter from Mrs. E. L. Huntington, . . . 426
Hubbell, *' The spirited Loyalist," . 426
! Marriages from Record** of Congregational
APPENDIX, 416
Continuation of Genealogical Records, . .416
Deaoendanta of Benedict Hubbell, of Ger-
many, 419
Stratfield ParLuh. and other Rei-ords. . .421
Selectmen of Stratfield Parish 421
Collecton of Ministers' Rate, ..... 421
TnsMirer of Stratfield Society 421
Auditoni, . 421
Fire Wood for Minister, also Committees. 421
Moderator or Chairman, 421
Coo8uble» in Stratfield Parish , . . . .421
Recorder, and Society Clerk in Stratfield
Puiah 421
ttbeep Masten), 422
School Committees, 422
Beeord of Deaths of Hubbells in Parish of
Strattield, 422
Death List of Hubbells from Stratfield ( liurch
Kccords, . 422
CkMDjnunicants named llubliell, of the First
Congregational Church, in Brid;i:e(N>rt,
Coon, (formerly Stratfield Parish), in
1831, Rer. John Blatchfonl, Pastor, . . 423
426
426
431
433
Church, Newtown, Conn.,
Marriages fn)m Records of Congregational
Churchc^s, Town Records in (.'onn., and
other sources,
Record of Baptisms of Hubbells in Stratfield
Parish 430
Deaths, 431
Miscellaneous Items, concerning Hubbells,
from the Records of Congregational
Churches and other sources, ....
Former Places of Residence, ....
Al.»slracts from Colonial Records of Connec-
ticut (The names in the.«<e Alwtracts are
not includcil in any index in this work), . 433
Note Ui the Reader, 440
Abbreviations in Apjiendix, 440
Index to descendants of Richard Hubbell
the First, in the male line of descent, . . 441
Index to descendants of Kichard Hubliell
the First, in the female line of descent, . 450
Index to the descendants of Ikne<lict Hub-
bell, of Germany, 456
Index to the name Hubl»ell, 456
General Index to Names, 457
Corrections. xv
ILLUSTRATIONS.
ENGRAVINGS.
PAOK I FAGE
^ Lieutenant John Hiil)beir»i Comuiiseiion, I < iershoni Hubbeirs IIoiim.% fucini; ... 74
facing 30 ! Hugo HubI>ellV Shield, fiuing .... 236
' Lieutenant Riohanl Hubl>eirs Silver Tan- lCoat-ut-.\rms, obtaine<I by Henry \Vild4in
kard, facing 32 . Hubbell, facing 237
. Lieutenant Richard Hubbell's Com nii*ii< in. ^ -\rnis of the Hubbald Family, faring . . 238
facing 40
PORTRAITS.
I'Af.E
Truman Mallory Hubliell 118
Charles Benjamin Hubbell, 122
Harvev Hubliell 14«
Lnman Hubbell, 1'~>1
Alrick HubWl, 109
Samson Harvev Hubliell 181
William Shelton Hubbell 184
Francis Burritt HnbMl, 188
John Hubbell lyO
William Wheeler HubMI 1(»3
Wilson Hubbell, lm
George Albert Hubliell, . .
William Lafaveite Hubliell,
I Andrew Lvman Hublx-ll
j
Lester Hubliell, . . .
James B<ivd Hubliell,.
Frederick Marion Hubliell,
William Stone Hublu'll.
• Ijiman Ixtmv Ilubljell,
! Alvin AIla<v HubMI,
Orrin Zeigler Hubliell.
Frontispiece, . . .
FAUB
205
207
218
220
2-23
226
228
230
•232
234
The .Vuthor.
PREFACE.
To the descendants of Richard Hubbell the First: —
Being fully aware of the great responsibility resting with the author and
compiler of a book containing so much important private information as this
history of our family, I trust all my readers will recognize the fact that it is a
carefully prepared work, collated from records duly authenticated in the hands
of descendants of our emigrant ancestor, supplemented by church, court,
county, state, and congressional documents, and that all works to which
reference has been made, or from which I have obtained extracts, are to be
found in the historical societies and public libraries of the United States and
British Provinces.
I take pleasure in stating that the information obtained from my grand-
father, Truman Mallory Hubbell, concerning our ancestors, was substantially
correct, and that it has been corroborated by facts obtained from a majority of
the descendants of Richard Hubbell the First.
For me to assert that the early members of the Hubbell Family were lineal
descendants of Hubba, the Dane, would be supposititious, but I do say,
and without fear of contradiction, that the surname Hubbell is of Danish ori-
gin. (Rev. William Arthur, M.A. [Father of Chester A. Arthur, Twenty-first
President of the United States], gives the origin of the surname Hubbell from
Hubba the Dane, and the word Hill in his " Etymological Dictionary of Family
Names.") The proper pronunciation of Hubbell is Hubb 111, and it is so pro-
nounced at the present day(i88i), in Fairfield County, Connecticut, by the
descendants of the colonial settlers.
Many of my readers will wish to know where Hubba's Hill is situated, but
I can only state that I believe near Milford-Haven, in Pembrokeshire, Wales,
because Grose, in his "Antiquities of England and Wales," says (Volume
VII, New Edition, page i lo), in speaking of an ancient ruin called Hubber-
stone (or Hubbastone) Priory, that :
" The ruin stands in Pembrokeshire not far from Milford-Haven, and is
called by the inhabitants the Priory ; but whether for monks or nuns, or what
order, and when and by whom founded, are particulars not handed down by
tradition, or at least not known by the generality of the neighboring people.
Neither Dugdale or Tanner mention this priory.
X PREFACE.
The building here shown seems to have been part of the gatehouse ; in all
likelihood the principal one belonging to the monaster)'. This view was
drawn by Mr. Grimm, anno 177 1." ' Opposite the above account is a handsome
engraving of the ruin.)
It is most probable that the ruin thus described was never erected nor
used for a priory, but was the remains of a fortress or castle erected and
inhabited by Hubba; for his last permanent fortification is known to have been
near Milford-Haven, where his fleet harbored, and whence he crossed the
Channel, landed from his twenty-three ships in Devonshire, England, where
he was slain in battle.
F'rom the vast amount of historical research I have made in regard
to this subject, I have been led to believe that several hills in Britain,
upon which he and his band had previously encamped, afterwards bore his
name.
The name Hubba is not only ver>' ancient in British history, but,
probably, of great antiquity in Asia, for it is stated among the transac-
tions of the Society of Biblical Archaeology, that ** Mr. Hormuzd Rassam,
incited by discoveries made by the Arab brick diggers of Hillah, in the
years 1874-5, commenced a .series of explorations in the Tigro- Euphrates
valley, which have produced wonderful results in the way of rich discov-
eries, that will be welcomed by all students of history and philology. The
tablets then found were purchased for the British Museum.
While working at Deyr, Mr. Rassam paid a visit to the mounds, called by
the Arabs, Tell Abu Hubba ; the mounds, which are very extensive, cover
an area of two miles in circumference, and the position of the walls and citadel
is clearly marked by mounds and embankments of debris. Like most
Babylonian edifices, the buildings at Abu Hubba are built with the angles to
the cardinal points.
The citadel occupies the southern portion of the enceinte, and its highest
point was on the southwest face. The trenches excavated soon struck the
walls of a building and by following the face of these walls the outer face of a
large square edifice was uncovered. The building, as far as can be judged from
the one face uncovered, was square, and about 2000 yards in circumference, the
southwest face being 1 500 feet in length. The architecture of these outer walls
was similar to that of the buildings discovered at Warka and Mughier, by Mr.
Loftus; the walls being broken at equal distances by broad, projecting
buttresses, decorated with ploughed panels. Trenches and shafts run into the
interior showed that the buildings were arranged around a central court, and
consisted of a series of long narrow rooms, with extremely thick brick
walls.
In the interior of the edifice an interesting pair of rooms was discovered
PREFACE. xi
and cleared of debris by the fortunate explorer, and from records found in these
chambers has been ascertained the name of the city and the nature of the
edifice whose ruins are buried beneath the mounds of Abu Hubba. In exca-
vating a trench, following a wall into the central portion of the mound, a door-
way was found leading into a large gallery or chamber, lOO feet in length and
about 35 feet in width. In this chamber were the remains of a large brick
altar nearly thirty feet square, and evidently a great sacrificial altar of the
temple.
In the wall of this chamber a door was found leading into a smaller room,
and from its construction and position, the shaft sunk by the excavators
brought to light the records of the builder of the great temple of the Assyrian
war-god, which had been placed in a stone cyst and buried near the altar, and
from them was ascertained the name of the city and temple whose ruins had
been discovered. The first three lines of the largest of the foundation records
bring our speculative thoughts to a focus, and centre our minds on one of the
more ancient sites of Chaldea ; * To the Sun-god, the great lord, dwelling Bit-^
Parra, which is within the city of Sippara.' Here, then, we have restored to
us the ruins and records of a city whose traditions go back to the days before
the flood, when pious Xisuthrus, by order of his god, * buried in the city of
Sippara of the Sun, the history of the beginning, progress, and end of all
things,* antediluvian. And now we recover, twenty-seven centuries after they
were buried, the records of the pious restorer of this ancient temple."
As the foregoing account will be considered irrelevant by many of my
readers it is necessary to explain why I have quoted it, for I consider my
reasons good and substantial for so doing.
The remote ancestors of Ilubba the Dane came from Asia, and it is more
than probable from the very valley where the ruins — beneath the mounds of
Abu Hubba — were discovered. Now, as personal names are handed down for
centuries, why may not the name Hubba have been used by the remote ances-
tors of the chieftain in Asia? The very fact of the existence of the name in
Asia at the present day indicates to my mind that it is of an antiquity, proba-
bly as great as the ruins discovered beneath the mounds.
However, I leave to future writers on nomenclature the task of ascer-
taining whether I am correct. Vox if Hubba is of recent origin as a
name among the Arabs, the connection I see between the names is only a
strange coincident, and, therefore, of no value, but, if I am correct, the
origin of the name Hubbell is far more ancient than has been supposed.
By the armorial decorations, described in this work, the fact is estab-
lished that the persons to whom they were granted were of Danish descent.
The genealogical account on page 236, and coat-of-arms pertaining to
it, were obtained about forty years ago by Mrs. Ellen (Hubbell) Thurber,
xii PREFACE,
afterwards Mrs. John H. Keller, of Bridgeport, Fairfield County, Connec-
ticut. (See her obituary on page 124.) She obtained them from an indi-
vidual who was travelling through America in search of heirs to ancient
estates in Great Britain. He had in his possession armorial decorations
and genealogical accounts pertaining to colonial families, all of which he
claimed to have copied from works in the libraries of London, containing
family records chronologically anterior and subsequent to the Norman
Conquest.
If the account is not authentic, it is most singular, that it has subsequently
been found to agree with all known personal and historical facts relating to
the descendants of Richard Hubbell the First.
I am of the opinion that our emigrant ancestor was the grandson of
Francis Hubbell, whom it is said was probably lost at sea in 161 5, and whose
widow was living in Plymouth, Devonshire, England, in 165 1.
If this is a fact it is very easy to comprehend why he emigrated to
•America.
I have given three escutcheons as curiosities, and trust members of the
family, who take pride in coats-of-arms, will pardon me for devoting so little
space to the description of heraldic decorations, for believing that —
" He stands for fame on his forefathers' feet.
By heraldry proved valiant or discreet ! "
I could not conscientiously do otherwise.
As it may interest some members of the family to know how I came in
possession of the necessary data from which to write this book ; I state that, in
my professional tours of the United States and British Provinces, I examined
many valuable libraries, obtained post-office addresses from town and city
directories, and became personally acquainted with members of the family ;
also copied church, town and state documents, family bible records, and grave-
stones; and made a special tour of six weeks through Connecticut, in the
summer of 1880, during which time I visited Bridgeport, Fairfield, Strat-
ford, Southport, Greenfield, Sherman, Trumbull, Huntington, Monroe. Birm-
ingham, Derby, Ansonia, Easton, Weston, New Fairfield, Newtown, Danbur>',
Norwalk, and Wilton, all in the aforesaid state ; also. Southeast, Putnam
County, New York ; being received and entertained everywhere with marked
attention by the descendants of the first Hubbell in America.
While in the aforesaid towns I copied available records, visited scores of
ancient grave-yards, where the honored fathers of the village sleep; and
from the crumbling marble monuments and head-stones, that still remain, as
silent sentinels to guard the ashes of those soldiers in the battle of life, who
have joined the vast army that has marched on before, I deciphered numerous
PREFACE. xiii
epitaphs and inscriptions after first removing the moss and ivy from the disin-
tegrating stone.
In collecting information, I have been most cordially assisted by the fol-
lowing members of the family, and take this opportunity of expressing to them
my sincere thanks for their valued aid, kind endeavors and expressions of
good-will in the furtherance of my work:
Harvey Hubbell, of Long Hill, Fairfield County, Connecticut, for
much valuable information and personal assistance in securing ancient
records. Frederick Marion Hubbell, of Des Moines, Iowa, for many
old family papers, and the gift of six hundred dollars. Major William
Lewis Hubbell, of Bridgeport, Connecticut, for great personal assistance in
securing important family records. William Lafayette Hubbell, of New
York City, for his beautiful prologue and poem to our emigrant ancestor,
and numerous family records of great value. Charles Elbert Hubbell, of
Stratford, Connecticut, for his kindness in obtaining family records, and his
ever-remembered assistance in searching the ancient grave-yards of *' Stratford-
on-the-Sound."
I am very much indebted to Mrs. Elizabeth Hubbell Schenck, of
Southport, Connecticut. She is the Historian of the Town of Fairfield, and
was of great assistance in securing genealogical records, and many valuable
documents.
I also thank, most heartily. Major William B. Hincks, of Bridgeport,
Connecticut. Alrick Hubbell Man, of the New York Genealogical and
Biographical Society, of New York City. John Ward Dean, of the New-Eng-
land Historic, Genealogical Society, of Boston, Massachusetts. Spencer
Bonsall, of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsyl-
vania. William Cothren, Historian, of Woodbury, Connecticut. William
Hosmer Hubbell, of Vandalia, Fayette County, Illinois. Lester Hubbell,
of Savannah, Georgia. Luman Leroy Hubbell, of Danbury, Connecticut.
James Thaddeus Hubbell, of Wilton, Connecticut. Deacon Oliver B. Jen-
nings, of Fairfield, Connecticut. Hon. Lewis H. Steiner, M.D., of Guil-
ford, Connecticut. Daniel Malony, of Fairfield, Connecticut. Mrs. Esther
Lyon Huntington, of Fairfield, Connecticut. Mrs. Fannie J. Booth Yale, of
Huntington, " Upper White Hills," Connecticut. Rowland B. Lacey, of
Bridgeport, Connecticut. Miss Hannah Hobart, of Fairfield, Connecticut,
and the hundreds of Hubbells and descendants of other names, with whom
I have corresponded, for their individual assistance in procuring genea-
logical, biographical, and historical information.
My preface would be incomplete without an expression of my sincere
thanks to the large settlement of Hubbells — descended from Lieutenant John
Hubbell, — in Huntington, on the " Upper White Hills," Fairfield County, Con-
necticut.
xiv PREFACE,
I went among them introduced by Fcnelon Hubbell, of Bridgeport, Con-
necticut, who drove me in his carriage from Bridgeport to the " Hills," where
I remained, a welcome guest for many days. While in the settlement I received
every possible attention, and the visit will always be remembered among my
most delightful recollections. The members of the family who were of assist-
ance to me in obtaining information relative to their forefathers in the settle-
ment, were Hezekiah Hubbell. Abijah Hubbell, Richard Henry Hubbell, Wells
Hubbell, Warren Christopher Hubbell, Mrs. W^illiam Morse Hubbell, and Mrs.
Minerva Patterson (formerly Mrs. Minerva Booth, widow of Wheeler Booth) ;
she is generally called " Aunt Minerva," by her numerous relatives, has a most
retentive memory for genealogical matters, and was of very great assistance
to me in obtaining names, dates, and other valuable information.
The several indexes will, I know, be of aid to my readers. I expended
many days in compiling them, and trust they will be found to contain only a
few errors.
As to the biographical department, I am aware that many of the sketches
are rather lengthy, but think they will all be read with interest.
On the genealogical records I expended much care, and hope they will
prove satisfactory.
My readers will oblige me by correcting all errors in the genealogical por-
tion of the book, and confer a favor by sending a memorandum of their correc-
tions addressed to me, in care of J. H. Hubbell & Co., 407 and 409 Broad-
way, New York City.
Trusting that the result of my years of labor will be accepted in the
spirit in which it was prepared, I place it in the hands of my subscribers,
hoping they will transmit it to their descendants, to be handed down
to generations yet unborn, as the first " Histor>' of the Hubbell Family."
WALTER HUBBELL.
October 25th, 1881.
CORRECTIONS.
PAGE
5. 5th line from top, for ** Wales " read Britain.
5. 8th line from top, for " Dorcetshire " read
Doraetshire.
56. lOth line from bottom, for "Joseph" read
Jeptha,
58. 7th line from bottom, for ** 1676" read 1696.
73. 12th line from top, for "currier*' read
dealer in skins.
74. 18th line from top, for " from " read with.
80. 7th line from top, for "Delaware" read
Otsego.
80. 17th line from top, for "does" read dose^.
80. 7th line from bottom, for" 1739 " read 1753.
83. 3d line from top, for " 1749" read 1751.
83. 5th line from top, for " 18th " read 22nrf.
124. 9th line from bottom, for "on " read or
128. 16th line from bottom, for "Castle" read
QutUs.
134. Ist line at bottom, for " and " read in.
137. 23d line from bottom, for "15th, 1834,"
read l^ of August, 1834.
169. 3d line from top, for " 18th" read I9M.
176. Ist line at top, for " Nicholas " read Nichols.
198. 11th line from bottom, for "16" read 161.
211. 11th line from top, for "1825" rea<l 1824.
259. 11th line from bottom, for "Schneck " read
Sehenek.
270. 18th line from top, for " well " read uxtU.
278. 4th line from top, for " Soars " and "Charles-
town" read Sears and (JharleMon.
289. 2d line from top, for "Nicholas" read
Nichols,
290. 10th line from top, for "Elisha" read
Elita.
PAUE
293. 9th line from bottom, for " Le Leur " read
Le Sueur.
301. 12th line from bottom, for " Lourain " read
Louvain.
306. 11th line from top, for "Thuber" read
Thurber.
311. 13th line from top, for "Trousdail" read
TruesdaiL
311. 9th line from bottom, for "Sansom" read
Samson.
319. 7th line from bottom for "Louisa" read
Lovisa.
340. 16th line from bottom, for " 1846 " read 1486.
344. 13th line from bottom, for "Alrich " read
Alrick.
347. Uth line from top, for "'Hattie E. b. Apr.
18tli, 1846, m. Charles A. Chapman, June
27th, 1869, in Wheatland, Wis. No issue."
read ^'Hattis E. b. Apr. 18<A, 1846, m. W.
H. Hicks. (ISee page 389.)
347. 3l8t line from bottom, for "— 2921 "Ida
Isabella b. Apr. 29th, 1850. read 2921.
""Ida Isabella, b. Apr. 29M, 1850, m. Charles
A. Chapman, June 27th, 1869, in Wheat-
land, Wis. No issue.
365. 17th line from top, for "2333 " read 3333.
394. 3d line from top, for " Davis " read David.
405. 4th line from bottom, for "Miner" read
Minor.
408. 20th line from bottom, for " Nodwav " read
Nodaway.
416. 12th line from bottom, for "560" read 260.
456. 2d column, 6th line from top, read Deoda-
tvs 116.
ORIGIN OF THE FAMILY AND NAME.
HISTORY tells us that more than twenty centuries before the Christian
era, Asia was inhabited by the ancestors of the Goths, and that eight
centuries later numerous tribes of this nomadic race immigrated to Europe
and scattered themselves over its various countries, Scandinavia being settled
by the most war-like, and adventurous class.
In A. D., 789, the first Danes appeared in Britain,* and about 867,
Hubba, the Dane, and his band of barbarians, landed upon its shores.
In the historical account of Whitby Abbey, Yorkshire, England, the
following occurs :
"This monastery continued in a flourishing state till about the year
867, when a party of Danes, under Hubba and Hinguar, landed at Dunesley
Bay, two miles westward of this place, and encamped on an eminence on
the east side thereof, still called Raven's Hill; which name it is supposed
to have obtained from the figure of that bird being worked on the Danish
ensign, which was there displayed. From thence, straggling into the
country, they plundered and laid it waste, and among other depredations
entirely destroyed this monastery, which lay in ruins for many years ; the
community being dispersed, only Titus, the Abbot, fled with the relics
of St. Hilda to Glastonbury."!
That Hubba and his band remained in Britain, the following historical
facts offer conclusive proof
"In 871, Hubba and Hinguar,J took Saint Edmund, the King,§ pris-
oner at Thetford, in East Anglia. They offered him his life and kingdom
if he would forsake Christianity, and reign under them. When he refused
they tied him to a tree, and shot at him with arrows, and at last cut off"
his head. In the churches of Norfolk and Suffolk are to be seen pictures
of him, pierced with arrows. The Danes, at the same time, killed Hum-
berht, Bishop of the East Angles, and after ravaging the country and
burning the churches and monasteries, they went into Mercia, and carried
on their depredations."!
•See "Chronological Table in Old English History," by E. A. Freeman, D. C. L. London, IhTO, i». XXII.
fSee "Antiquities of England and Wales," by Francis Grose, Esq., F. A. S, London, 1785, Vol. VI. p. 158.
tAlways spelled Hinguar by Hume, but frequently Inguar and Infjimir, by other historians.
gNot to be confounded with Saint Edmund who was Archbishop of Canterbury, in thirteenth century.
[See " Old English History" by Freeman, London, 1876, p. 110.
2 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
" Hubba, a Danish Chief, who, in conjunction with Hinguar, his brother,
led a marauding expedition into the interior of Mercia, and took up their
winter quarters at Nottingham, where they fortified themselves so strongly
as seriously to threaten all that part of the island. They were, however,
soon driven from this position, whence they retired into Northumberland.
After causing much distress in this part of the island, we find them carrying
on their depredations in Wales, and other parts of the west"*
" In 875-6. Alfred, the Great, found the search of his enemies become
more remiss. Collecting some of his retainers, they retired into the centre
of a bog, formed by the stagnation waters of the Thone and Parret, in
Somersetshire. He there found two acres of firm ground, and building
a habitation on them, rendered himself secure by its fortifications, and still
more by the unknown and inaccessible roads which led to it, and by the
forests and morasses with which it was every way environed. This place
he called ^Ethelingey, or, the Isle of Nobles. He thence made frequent
and unexpected sallies upon the Danes, who often felt the vigor of his
arm, but knew not from what quarter the blow came. He subsisted, him-
self and his followers by the plunder which he acquired, he procured
them consolation by revenge, and from small successes, he opened their
minds to hope, that, notwithstanding his present misfortunes, more import-
ant victories might, at length, attend his valor. Alfred lay here concealed
during a twelve-month, when news of a prosperous event reached his ears,
and called him to the field. Hubba, the Dane, having spread devastation,
fire, and slaughter over Wales, had landed in Devonshire, from twenty-
three vessels, and laid seige to the Castle of Kinwith, a place situated
near the mouth of the small river Tau.^ Oddune, Earl of Devonshire,
with his followers, had taken shelter there, and being ill supplied with
provisions, and even with water, he determined, by some vigorous blow,
to prevent the necessity of submitting to the barbarous enemy.^ He made
a sudden sally on the Danes before sun-rising, and taking them unpre-
pared he put them to rout, pursued them with great slaughter, killed
Hubba himself, and got possession of the famous Reafen, or, Enchanted
Standard, in which the Danes put great confidence.^ It contained the
figure of a raven, which had been inwove by the three sisters of Hubba
and Hinguar, with many magical incantations, and which by its different
movements, prognosticated, as the Danes believed, the good or bad success
of any enterprise.^ "f
♦See " Blotfraphical Index to Hume," p. 369
k See " A>Her: p. 10."
1 See •' V\oT. Wu
igoni 590."
m See " Asser. p. lO," also, "Chron. Sax, p. SI." "Abba's Rieval, p. &x)," and " Alured Beverl, p. 10r>."
n See " Aaser. p. 10."
tSec '• Hume's History of England," Edition 1765, Vol. 1, p. 69
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAAHLY. 3
" In the ninth, tenth, and eleventh centuries, the raven, the Danebrog
of heathenism, waved victoriously in the western lands. It was with
Canute, the Great, at Ashingdon, with the Norman William at Hastings,
and was thus present at two conquests of England, the battle of Has-
tings being the last important battle that the raven^ won. Heathen Scan-
dinavia had exhausted its strength by numerous and far extended conquests.
Christianity, and with it a new and a higher civilization, advanced with a
power not to be checked even among the ancient followers of Odin. The
raven, Odins mark, — the symbol of heathenism, — paled by degrees, as
antiquated and meaningless, and at last gave place to the symbol of Chris-
tianity, the Cross. An old saga, or legend, relates, that during one of the
crusades oT King Waldemar, the Victorious, in Livonia, in A. D., 12 19,
the " Danebrog " fell from heaven among the Danish army. After these
crusades, the " Danebrog," containing the Cross, appears as the estab-
lished national flag of the Danes ; and ever since that time, for more
than six centuries, it has continued to wave unchanged over the Danish
fleets and armies. It is remarkable that, as the flag of the fleet, and of
all fortified places, and as the royal flag, it is split ; this form must have
originated from the fringes and tongues, or points with which the old
Danish and Scandinavian flags were ornamented, in the tenth and eleventh
centuries. The Scandinavian people is the only one which, from remote
antiquity, has uninterruptedly borne this split flag ; and it is reasonable to
believe that Sweden, as well as Norway, obtained theirs, which is of com-
paratively late origin, by imitating the old Danebrog. About the time
of the crusades, and perhaps a little earlier, the different kingdoms began
to adopt a fixed national coat of arms, Denmark assuming that still in use
— three blue leopards or lions, on a golden shield, strewed with red
hearts, which was originally the family arms of the royal house. It has,
however, undergone a few slight changes. With regard to this subject,
it is remarkable that three leopards were also borne by the Norman
dukes, who were of Danish descent, and who, after the conquest, intro-
duced the leopards or lions, into the arms of England."*
That the HubbcU Family is of Danish origin there is no doubt.
All the heraldic ensigns relating to the family in all its branches, offer
undeniable proof that it is of Scandinavian blood, and although I cannot
prove from history that Hubba, the Dane, left descendants in Wales,
^here he had his last permanent encampment, there is no doubt that the
original inhabitants of " Hubba's-Hill," in Britain, were Danes, and it was
there that the name and family originated.
•See " The DanfS and Northmen," by Woreoae, pp. 62, C3 and ei
4 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
According to the best works on the nomenclature of surnames, Hubbell
is7of local origin, and was derived from " Hubba," a Danish chief, and the
Anglo-Saxon word " hill," which, as everybody knows, signifies a small
mountain.
From Hubba and hill, we have Hubba's-Hill. Several hills in Britain
were so called from the fact that the celebrated Chieftain Hubba, camped
upon them. From Hubba's-Hill the name Hubhill was derived, and from
Hubhill has come the surname, Hubbell *
Many family names have been derived from Hubhill, among which
may be mentioned Hubbald, Hubald, Hubband and Huband, names which
have been supposed to have had their derivation from the christian name
Hugh, and the Anglo-Saxon word /^^A/, signifying bold, hence, '* Hugh the
bald," or " Hugh the bold," Hubald, Hubbald, Huband and Hubband. etc.
As the derivation of all these names from Hubba and hill is the most
ancient, I claim that it is correct, and that not only have the surnames
Hubbell, Hubbald and Huband been so derived, but many others of a
kindred composition.
Hubbell, to this day, is so spelled in Wales, the early home of the
Hubbell F*amily.t In England, it has become Hubble ; in France, Hubel ;
in Italy, Htibeli ; while in Germany, it still retains its original form,
HubbelL
The armorial ensigns to be found in this work, are the Coats-of Arms
of members of the family that had its origin in Great Britain, from Danish
ancestors. Of this there is no question, nor is there a doubt that the
persons to whom they were granted belonged to the Hubba's-Hill Family^
but as I cannot prove that Richard Hubbell from whom we are de-
scended had a lawful right to use any one of them, I give them simply
as curiosities, and trust they will be so considered. I hope no Hubbell
will be vain enough to have one of them painted on his carriage door,
or used in any other way as a decoration to show his " fioble birth,'' for
it must be remembered, that our branch of the Hubbell Family is purely
and thoroughly American, and that our ancestors fought and died for the
liberties of this great Republic, before it had even a flag.
Richard Hubbell, the first man of the name in America,^ was born
in Great Britain, in 1627—8.
♦See " Etymological Dictionary of Family Names." by William Arthur, M. A. New York, 1857, p. IW.
^Sote by the Author.— In searching reconls for information relating to the familv, I have found the
name spellea in the following forms : Hubbell, Hubell, Hubbel, Hubble, Huble, Hubf)all. Hubblll. Hub-
well. Hubbald. Hubald, Hubbant, Hubant, Hubband. Huband, and in other ways. It is worthy of notice,
that It has always been spelled Hubbell, in America, by members of the family, only being misspelled by
clerks, recorders, ministers, and other scribes.
JThere is no record to show that Richard Hubbell, the First, had a brother for brothers), in America.
Evcr>' Hubbell of *' Connecticut Ance8tr>'," can be traced to him as their progenitor.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY, 5
Of his early history nothing is known. The date of his arrival in New
England has not been preserved, but must have been between 1645 and
1647,* for, on March 7th, of the latter year, he took the oath of fidelity
to the government of the New Haven Colony.f
Like many of the inhabitants of Wales at the present day, (1880),
he could not write the English language.
In 1650, he married Elizabeth,! daughter of John, and granddaughter
of Vincent Meigs, of Dorcetshire, England. Her grandfather, (Vincent),
was born in 1570, emigrated to America, and settled in Weymouth,
Massachusetts. Was living in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1647. He
afterwards removed to Guilford, and finally to what is now Killingworth,
Connecticut, where he died in 1658. His will, dated September 2nd,
1658, was proved December 2nd, same year.§ His son, John Meigs,
(born in England in 1600), married Miss Fry, (sister of William Fry), in
England, in 1630. Resided in Weymouth, Massachusetts, and in New
Haven, Connecticut, in 1647 ; removed to Guilford, Connecticut, in 1654,
and to Killingworth, Connecticut, in 1663, where he was made a freeman
in i669."|| Was a tanner, had a large estate, and some books, of which
one was a Latin and Greek Dictionary. He died in Killingworth, on
January 4th, i672."T[
In his will, which was probated in June, 1672, the following clause
occurs: "To my nephew,** Mary Hubbell,tt as her mother's portion, she
being dead,JJ I give thirty pounds, to be paid out of my moveable estate,
part in cattle and part in household stuff, with this proviso, she being
obedient to her grandmother, and living with her to the day of her — to
wit — her grandmother's death.*'§§
•" The Genealogical Dictionary of New Englnnd,*' Savage, p. 187, says: " Ebenezer Hubbell, New London,
(Connecticut >, came from Fairtield in IfilM), Richard Hubbell, New Haven. 1W7, removed to Fairfield, free-
man in 16»>4, was living there IG'JO, and also Richard, Jr., and Samuel . i>erhaps his s(>ns. Descendants are
numerous." (Richard, Jr., Samuel and Ebenezer, were sons of Richard Hubbell, the First, See Genealogi-
cal Record in this work.
t" Richard Hubbell took the oath of fidelity to the Government of the New Haven Colony, (with
twenty-nine other men), on March 7th. 1617." The original entry is in the handwriting of Francis New-
man. SiHj New "Haven Colonial Records, HV:38 to HV4l>;' p. 13^.
\\\\ "Judge Smith's manuscript.*^,' now in pos.^eHsion of Ixiwis H. Steiner. M. D., of Guilford, Connecti-
cut, Richani Hubbell's marriage to Elizabeth Meigs, is stated to have occurred between 1050 and 'M. Their
9tc(md eon Richard, was born in 1654. (Sec Guilford Records). Con.se* luently John, their elckit child, must
have beeu born about 16,VJ. We have given KJ-tO-I, as tlie correct date of their marriage.
gSee "Genealogical Dictionary of New England," Savage, Vol. III. pp. 1U3-4. <^Ibid. j:ibid.
(See " Winslow Memorial," Holton.
♦•Nephew and neice were synonymous terms in that day, but he evidently meant hLs granddaughter.
tfMary Hubbell married James Newton.
gJohn Meigs' Will is among Judge Smith's MS««. in possession of LewLs H. Steiner, M. D., of Guilford
Connecticut.
6 HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY.
" Richard Hubbell was admitted a planter in Guilford, Connecticut,
February 25th, 1653-4 on purchasing Samuel Blatchley's lots and accom-
modations in his steady and took the oath of fidelity May 4th, 1654. He
appears also to have purchased the land and accommodations of John
Baldwin on October i6th, 1660,* and the same work also states that, in
1657-8 a list was made of the freemen of Guilford, to which the dates of
their subsequent deaths were added. When the work went to press the
date of Richard HubbelFs death was given as 1692.!
In 1653 or 1654 he sold land to E. Perkins, and May 14th, 1655,
was living in Guilford and had a cow killed by a bull that had been left
by Mr. Whitfield, and (Richard Hubbell) brought a suit to recover the
loss ot the cow against Mr. Chittenden,* agent or attorney for Mr. Whit-
field. The injury was committed in the winter, of 1654 or 55.J
In 1656. Upon a petition presented by John Meggs,§ and the desire
of Richard Hubbell, the court abated John Meggs five pounds of a fine of
ten pounds that he owed to ye jurisdiction, and Richard Hubbell fifty e
shillings of a fine of five pounds that he owed likewise, and that the rest
be forthwh paide."||
On May 7th. 1662, Richard Hubbell (being one of a party that joined
Dr. Bray Rossiter, and others, in two political papers, which were offen-
sive to the Government at New Haven), was tried for sedition. The fol-
lowing account of his examination is interesting and is given in extenso.
"But Thomas Stephens being after accused by Richard Hubbell, as
one yt drew him into this business, did confess yt he now sees yt he had
done yt which he ought not to have done, nor should have done it if hee
had considered it, and yt he was sorry for it, and desired to have it
passed by, and confest yt he had grieved ye spirits of those among whom
he lives. It being demanded (yt seeing he was looked upon as one of ye
heads in this matter,) whether he would relinquish these things? he
answered, yt soe farre as they were any blemish to ye court or any mem-
ber of it he did.*[
• Sec "Smith's Histor>- of Guilford," pp. 23, 24 and 27.
t 1692 is erroneous, he dierl October '2M, 1699. See " Records of First Congregational Church of Strat-
fleld Pariah." also his " WiU" and " Inventory," {In ihi9 icork.)
X See "Judge Smith's manuscript," in possession of Lewis H. Steiner, M.D., Guilford, Connecticut. The
suit is given at length in the Town Records.
2 Spelled " Meggs" originally, afterwards Meigs.
\ See " New Haven Colonial Records," 16.33 to 1665, p. 171.
f This it must be remembered is the examination of Thomas Stephem>, Richard Hubbell was exam
ined afterwards.
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY. 7
Richard Hubbell called for examination, was told by ye governr
yt it was ye courts pleasure to have those called whose names were sub-
scribed, and therefore desired to know whether he owned these subscrip-
tions? he evading a plaine answer, not being able to write himself, but
being asked whether it was not with his consent, he answered, yt there
was such a paper shewed to him and he was asked if they should set his
hand to it, to which he answered, if they would, they might; ye first
paper was yt which John Benham spread, and ye second was after ye
court's declaration to which latter he sayth he remembers yt he allowed
not his hand to be sett to it; but being further questioned whether he joyned
in ye contrivance of them ? he answered, he had noe hand in ye contriv-
ing of them, but Mr. Rossitr drew up ye first, and they desired him that
if there was anything in it to cleare, yt they could not have subscribed it
had not Mr. Rossitr undertooke to manage it, and .he promised to make
proofe of it. It was also p pounded to him whether he was any of those
families in whose name the p test was subscribed, he answered, not as he
knew of. He was also asked whether he did now retract wt he had done,
or stand in ye justification of it, or was sorry that it soe spread abroad
in ye country to make such disturbance as it hath done at Stamford and
South-hold? he answered, that it was only his desire to have wt our law
did allow, and noe more, and whatever is else, it was besides his inten-
tion, and he doth renounce and disowne it, and is sorry for anything be-
yond this."*
Shortly after this political offense Richard Hubbell and his family re-
moved to Fairfield County, Connecticut. He was accepted to be made free
as a resident of Fairfield, on October 13th, i664,t (and was made free on Oc-
tober loth. 1669)4
**On 23 January, 1666, Henry Jackson and ' Goodman* Hubbell§ were
appointed in ye room and stead of ' Goodman ' Odell and Thomas Beachem,
to lay out a bit of land granted to Thomas Dickerson."||
It would appear from the foregoing that Richard Hubbell knew some-
thing of surveying; however^ this fact is- immaterial, it is proven by all the
records that he was a planter, a leading citizen, and an extensive land
owner. He was continually exchanging, buying, and selling land or giving
it to his sons.T[
• 8ee " New Haven Colonial Records, lfir>3 to 16«ir)," p. 171
t See "Colonial Records of Connecticut," Vol. I, pages 431-2 and 3. (In Appendix to IhLs work.)
X See " Colonial Records of Connecticut," Vol. II, page 521. (In Appendix to this work.)
\ It was a practice among the early Puritans to prefix "G<x>dman" to the names of their leading
men as a mark of respect.
I Copied by the Author fh)m " Fairfield Town Records," book B, p. 24.
% This fact is fully proven by the " Land Records," which contain numerous deeds both to and from
him.
8 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
** On March 31st, 1674, Captain Philip Scott, of Barbadoes, sold to
Richard Hubbell, of Fairfield County, the horseflesh belonging to him."*
" On May 19th, 1675, the townsmen ordered that Richard Hubbell
should deliver into the magazine of Fairfield, within three months after
above date, eight hundred weight of lead, for the use of the magazine of
Fairfield, in payment of a debt of sixteen pounds two shillings, due from
him to the town treasury for a parcel of meadow land/'f
The following deed of land purchased by him is very ancient.
" The Lands of Mr. Richard Hubbell, recorded to him, his heirs and
assigns.
IRichard Hubbell, by way of exchange wth Henry Summers, hath
purchased twenty-eight acres of upland, bee it more or less bounded north-
west wth ye highway between Stratfield and Stratford, southeast wth ye
highway to Paquanuck, bounded northeast on ye Comon, southwest wth
Joseph Judson and John Beardsley. Here in Confirmation hereof ye Grante
hath hereto subscribed and acknowledged ye same before Captain William
Curtiss.
This [X] mark of Henry Summers,
Witnessed us ye 14th, 9m, 1676.
Jamee Benitt, \''
John Minor, Recorder, j
"John Hubbell§ hath by Gift from his father, Richard Hubbell, as
part of his portion of these general parcels of land here recorded : Impri-
mis, one homelot with the dwelling house thereon, the land being in
quantity three acres, more or less, and is bounded on the west and north
with the highways, on the other sides with the land of the said Richard.
The said John is to mayntayn the half of ye dividing fence between the
aforesaid lot and the land of the said Richard, during the said Richard's
natural life. Alsoc, one parcel of land on said farm, being in quantity four-
teen acres, more or less, bounded on the north with the common, on the
east with the land of Mother Sherwood, and ye common on the other
sides, with the land of the said Richard. Also, one parcel of meadow on
the other side Uraway River, being in quantity two acres, bounded on
the south with the land of Major Nathan Gold, on the west with ye sd
Richard's meadow, and on all the other sides with the land of Henry
Jackson. Also, ye sd Richard gives him an eldest son's proportion in his
interest in the perpetual common, nth January, 1679."!
* See " Fuirfield Town Reconls."
t Sw " Fairfield Town ReoonK"
X Copied by the Author from "Stratford Land Records."
\ John Ilublx'll was his eldest son, and dieii IWK). of Muall jmjx.
; Copied by the Author from " Fairfield Land Records."
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. g
" John Hubbell hath by purchase of his father, Richard Hubbell,
these two parcels of land hereafter recorded, viz : Imprimis, one parcel of
land adjoining to his homelot, being in quantity three quarters of an acre,
being more or less, and is bounded on the north with a highway, on the
west with the land of the said John, on the south and east with the land
of the said Richard Hubbell. Alsoc, one parcel of land lying in ye said
Richard Hubbeirs homestead, and is in quantity about two acres, more
or less, as it is already bounded out, being bounded on the west with the
land of the said Richard Hubbell, on the southeast and northeast with
the common, on the other side with the land of the said John, 25th
April, 1682."*
In 1685, Richard Hubbell was named as one of the proprietors of
the Township of Fairfield, to whom the " Fairfield Patent" was granted.
The following is an exact copy of said patent, and is well worth
reading, being one of the oldest papers of the kind in the work.
" The General Court of Connecticut have formerly granted to the
proprietors of the inhabitants of the town of Fairfield, all those lands both
meadow and upland within these abutments upon the sea towards the
south about seven miles in breadth, and in length from the sea into the
wilderness twelve miles, and upon Stratford bounds on the east, and the
wilderness north, and in Norwalk bounds on the west, only a parcel of
land between their bounds and Saugatuck River, that is likewise granted
to the said Fairfield ; provided, the said Saugatuck do not exceed two
miles from the said Fairfield, the said lands having been by purchase or
otherwise lawfully obtained of the Indian natives proprietors ; and whereas,
the proprietors, the aforesaid inhabitants of Fairfield, in the colony of
Connecticut, have made applications to the Governor and company of said
colony of Connecticut, assembled in Court, May 25th, 1685, that they
may have a patent for conformation of the aforesaid land so purchased
and granted to them, as aforesaid, and which they have, and stood,
seized, and quietly possessed of for many years last past, without inter-
ruption. Now, for a more full conformation of the aforesaid tract of land,
as it is butted and bounded as aforesaid unto the present proprietors of
the said township of Fairfield, in the possession and enjoyment of the
premises, know ye that the said Governor and company assembled in
General Court, according to the commission granted to us by his Majestic
in our charter have given, granted, and by these presents do give, grant,
ratify and confirm unto Major Nathan Gold, Mr. Samuel Wakeman, Mr.
Jehu Burr, Mr. John Burr, Mr. Thomas Staples, Mr. John Green, Mr.
•Copknl by the Author from " Fairfield Land liecords."
lo HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
Joseph Lockwood, Mr. John Wheeler, Mr. Richard Hubbell, Mr. George
Squire and Mr. Isaac Wheeler, and the rest of the present proprietors of
the township of Fairfield, their heirs, successors and assigns, forever, ac-
cording to the tenor of East Greenwish, in Kent, in free and common
socage, and not in capitte nor by knight service, they to make improve-
ment of the same as they are capable, according to the custom of the
country, yielding, rendering, and paying therefore to the Sovereign Lord,
the King, his heirs and successors, his due, according to charter.
In witness whereof, we have caused the seal of the colony to be
herewith affixed, this 26th of May 1685, in the first year of the reign of
our Sovereign Lord, James, the Second, of England, Scotland and Ireland,
King, Defender of the Faith, &c.
By order of the General Court of Connecticut
Signed, Robert Treat, Governor.
John Allen, Secretary-."*
In 1686 Richard Hubbell was appointed as one of a committee on
behalf of the town of Fairfield, to make a contract with John Jackson.
The following fully explains the nature of the contract :
"Whereas, formerly there hath been a treaty between John Jackson,
of fayerfield, and a commety of ye town of fayerfield in referants to sd
Jackson's building a com mill and fulling mill, and whereas sd com mill
is already buiit in ye place thar disposed of, but agreements about ye
same are to be perfected.
I. It is this day agreed by John Jackson, of fayerfield, of ye one party,
and Mr. John Burr and Sargeant John Wheeler and Sargeant Richard
Hubbell on ye other party, as a commety for and in behalf of ye town of
feyerfield, and by them ordered as followeth : Imprimis ye sd John Jack-
son having already built a grist mill upon Uncoway revar, near the Camon
road, hee doeth hereby ingaged to maintain ye same forever, and doeth
hereby ingage to grind all grist yt ye inhabitants of fayerfield shall bring
to sd mill from time to time, and at all times seasonabelly well and so-
fisiently unto good meal, hee to take for toll only ye sixteenth part of
such grists so brought, exsemting at such times as ye fulling mill shall need
and doeth make le^s of ye stream.
2. Sd John Jackson engageth to and with ye sd Commety to erect and
build on ye sd stream a fulling mill yt may be sofisient and well and
truly made to full all such cloaths as thar shall be ocation for and be
brought to sd mill, and what cloth shall bee brought to sayd John Jack-
son to full shall be done well and sofisiently in season for such prices as
• Transcribed by the Author from a copv in the possession of Mrs. Elizabeth Hubbell Schenck
The Historian of Fairfield. The original is in the Connecticut State Library, at Hartford.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 1 1
shall or are ordinarily given for fulling such cloth, and sd John Jackson
doeth ingage hearby to maintain sd mill in servesabell Condission for ye
end afore sd for ever.
In Consedaration of ye premeses ye sayd Mr. John Burr, Sargeant John
Wheeler, Sargeant Richard Hubbell, ye foarsayd Commety in ye behalf
of ye town of fayerfield, grant to ye sayd John Jackson ye lebarty of ye
sayd stream of Untaway Revar to erect, build, make and maintaine and
improve sayd mills for ye ends aforesayd forever. Also for his better In-
curedgment to goe on in ye sd work of sayd mills as to ye ends propossed
ye sd Commety grants unto ye sd John Jackson a parsell of land adjoining
to ye sd revar on ye West side of it, being in quantity by estemation
about eaight acres mor or les bounded on ye southwest with ye common,
on ye north with a highway or Common, on ye east with a Creek run-
ning into ye revar, on the southeast with ye revar.
Also on parsell of land on ye east sid of Untaway Revar, within ye
Common Cut, and in quantity about two acres, bounded on ye north with
a highway, on ye east with ye highway, on ye south with ye Common,
on ye west with ye revar.
The land thus granted is soly for sd mills, and is heareby Intailled
to them for posterity forever. Ho ever shall be ye suksesers, Instrukt
them in thar parformants of thar duty to ye Inhabitants of ye town of
fayerfield, as is a bond expresed in metings, whearof ye sd John Jackson,
in his own name and in ye name of his heirs, suksesers, and assigns, and
ye above sd John Burr, John Wheeler, Richard Hubbell, in ye name of
ye town of fayerfield, have hearunto Respectively set to thar hands this
first day of January, 1686.
John Jackson, II.
Signed and delivered in presents of us as witnesses,
Benjamin Smith, John Burr,
Thomas Williams, T. W., Richard Hubbell, R. H.
This above Instrument or agreement beetween ye above-mentioned
parties was owned to bee thar free act and deed, in thar respective capa-
seties, this 6th of January, 1686, in fayerfield, befoar mee.
Nathan Gold, Attest.
This is a tru Copy of its originall, Comparred and recorded this 15 of
January, 1686, by mee.
Nathan Gold, Recorder."*
• Copied by the Author firom " Fairfield Town Records."
12 HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY.
In February, 1688, he granted unto his son Samuel Hubbell, Senior,
real estate fully described in the following deed : " Know all men by
these presence yt I, Richard Hubbell, Senior, of Stratfield, in ye Colony
of Connecticut, in New england, have and doo by these presents, fully
and freely and absolutely for( good Consideration me thereunto mening)
Give and Grant unto my Loveing Son Samuel from me and from mine
heirs for ever unto my sd son Samuel and to his heirs forever these
several Parcels of Land with some houseing thereon, viz,, one homelot
with the dwelling thereon and appurtenances, being in quantity foure acres
more or less. Lying and being at ye east farms, bounded on y^e north-
west with ye common, on ye northeast and southwest with ye Land of
Mister Samuel Sherman, on ye southeast with my owne Land, also my
pasture Lot and building Lot, situated in ye place afTore sd, being each
respectively in quantyt>' according to ye Towtis Grant, ye building Lott
is bounded together with ye sd pasture Lott on ye northwest with ye
half mile of Common, on ye southwest with ye Land late of Henry Jack-
son, deceased, commonly with the common, on ye southeast with ye
highway, on ye, northeast with ye Land of Ensign Matthew Sherwood
Also seven Acres of Land in ye common field over ye Creek com-
monly called Lock wood's Land, bounded on ye northeast with ye Land
of John Odell, on ye southeast with ye highwaye, on ye southwest with
my owne Land, on ye northwest with my owne medow; allso one par-
cell of medow, being in quantity one acre and a half, bounded on ye
southeast side with my owne Land. I gave last and in these presents
and ye land of John Odell and Josiah Harvey, and is incompassed on ail
other parts with ye Creek, with all priviledges and appertinances thereto
belonging, and allso liberty to perches six acres of Land adjoining to ye
sd Samuel's Homlot out of ye new lot of ye sd Richard Hubbell at forty
pounds in provision pay. within one yeare after ye Decease of me, Rich-
ard Hubbell, and I do hereby explaine myself yt my meaning is as to my
son, Samjiel Hubbell, ye Grant herein mentioned. // is ye eldest of my sons
so named^ In witness, my hand, this fourth day of April, in ye yeare one
Thousand Six Hundred eighty and seven.
Richard Hubbell, Senior. R. H.
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in presents of us,
JosiAH Har\x
SaMUELL WlLLSON.
* It ifl a rr-niarkuble fact, that Richanl Hublxjll had two sons named Samuel, both living at the
time. For further particulare see "Gencalo^cal Record' in this work.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY, 13
This is a true coppy of ye originall, witnessed this 3 of February,
1688, by mee,
Nathan Gold, Recorder.
Richard Hubbell, ye Subscriber to this Instrument, acknowledged ye
same to be his free act and deed, this 3d of February, 1688, before me,
Nathan Gold, Justice of ye peace."*
In 1688 he lost his second wife,t her maiden name is not known, J
and ihe same year signed the following marriage contract with Abigail
Walker.
" Whereas there is a marriage shortly to be solemnized between
Richard Hubbell, Senior, of Fairfield and Abigail Walker of Stratford ;
these arc to give notice to any whom it may concern, that I the said
Hubbell doe accept and take ye womans person, wholly disclaiming all or
any part of the estate moveable or immoveable that did pertain to Joseph
Walker her late husband deceased, witness my hand this i6th April,
i688.§
Richard Hubbell, R. H."
Richard Hubbell and his descendants have been so closely identified
with the first church of Stratfield, (or Pequonnock) that a short history of
it will not be out of place, and I am sure will be read with interest by
the Hubbell Family.
IIFor more than fifty years after the first settlement of Pequonnock,
or Stratfield, the planters possessed no church of their own, but were
forced to attend service upon the Sabbath either at Stratford or at Fair-
field. In the winter and in stormy weather this must have been very in-
convenient.
• Copied by the Author from " FaffieUl Land Records.'
t Richard Hub>>ell had three wives, a.s follows: Ist, Elizabeth Meigs, who died before 1672, according
to her Father's Will made tliat year. (Prolmbly as early as 1064.) 2d wife maiden name unknown, (her
chrintUn name was probably Elizabeth or Esther, both being much used by the Puritans.) 8d, Abigail
Walker. See " Genealogical Record "in this work.
J His second wife was buried in the ' Stratfield Bur>'ing Ground "f where her grave cnn be st^n at
the present day (1880), the spot being marked by a rough stone ui>on which can Ije distinctly seen the
initiklB " E. H.", and date of her death "1688." Beside this ancient tombstone is another made of mica,
upon which can barely be decipheri'd the letters "R. U.", but the date has lx>en worn away by time.
These graves are undoubtedly those of Richard Hubbell and his second wife. The marriage contract
between Richard Hubbell and Abigail Walker, widow, (his third wife) is dated "April 16, 1688," a fact that
also proves that his second wife died in "1688", it being the custom to marry in that day as soon after the
death of the preceding wife as practicable. All the old church records of the Puritans show that this
cui^m was common, and that the st'amd marriage generally occurred the same year.
I Copied for the Author by Mrs. Elizabeth Hubbell Schenck, The Historian of Fairfield, from the
* Fairfield Town Records."
I This brief history of the church was kindly ftirnished bv Major Wm. B. Hincks, of Bridgeport, Conn.
Mi^r Uincka has In his keeping, all the church records dating from 1695, to the present year (1880.) He
placed them at the author's disposal, an opportunity of which he availed himself, thereby obtaining much
▼aluable information concerning the early members of the Hubbell Family that could not have been
gleaned from any other source, f Now within Town of Bridgeport, Conn.
14 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
Finding the long distance which they were compelled to traverse on
each Sabbath burdensome, and the place having increased somewhat in
size, application was at length made to the legislature for relief, and in
the year 1690 ecclesiastical privileges were granted to the parish of Strat-
field. The limits of the new parish embraced the greater part of what is
now the town of Bridgeport, including the territory which has recently
been annexed. It was bounded upon the east by the Pequonnock River,
south by Long Island Sound, west by the course of Ash Creek, and
north by the present town of Easton.
In the year 1694 the foundation of a house of worship was laid on
an eminence in the upper part of Division Street, a few rods south of the
King's Highway. The height affords a pleasant view of the surrounding
country, and is still called "Meeting-House Hill." In the mean time it
is probable that the people gathered upon the Sabbath in a private house,
having already provided themselves with a pastor.
This was Rev. Charles Chauncey, son of Mr. Israel Chauncey, the
Congregational minister at Stratford, and grandson of Charles Chauncey, a
distinguished clergyman, formerly professor of Greek and Latin at Cam-
bridge University, England, and afterwards for many years the honored
president of Harvard College in this country.
Charles Chauncey, was born in Stratford, September 3d, 1668. He
graduated at Harvard College in 1686, and commenced preaching to the
people of Stratfield in 1693, being twenty-five years of age at the time.
A house was built for the young minister and his wife upon the
northwest corner of Colonel Burr's farm. It is no longer standing, but
the ruins of the cellar may still be seen upon the east side of Cook's
Lane.
Mr. Chauncey's salary was ;{!^6o per annum, payable in provisions at
the market rate. This sum was afterwards increased to £%o per year.
In June, 1695, the new meeting-house was completed, and upon the
13th was opened for worship, Mr. Chauncey was ordained pastor, and
the Congregational Church of Stratfield formed upon the same day. This
is the church which is now known as the First Congregational or North
Church of Bridgeport.
The meeting-house had no bell to call the worshipers together, but
they were summoned by the beating of a drum. The men carried arms
to defend themselves from the attacks of the Indians, upon whose fi-iend-
ship it was not deemed safe to rely too implicitly. A sentinel was posted
upon the summit of the hill, where the church was built, to keep watch
while the services were conducted within. We may imagine the savages,
on the day of the dedication, standing in groups upon the top of the op-
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY, 15
posite eminence, where St. Augustine's Catholic Church now is, and which
was within the bounds of their reservation, listening to the unaccustomed
sound of the drum, and watching the worshipers assemble.
The original members of the church were nine in number, all males,
viz:
Richard Hubbell, Samuel Gregory,
Isaac Whe^lei^ Matthew Sherman,
James Bennett, Richard Hubbell, Jr.,
Samuel Beardsley, David Sherman,
John Odell, Jr.
It must be remembered that for many years the church organization
was the only one in the place. Church and state were also more in-
timately connected at that day than at present, and it was in the meeting-
house that all school meetings were held, and all secular affairs, requiring
a gathering of the people, transacted. The recorder of the society was
also ex officio a public officer, whose duties were somewhat like those of
our town clerks, and upon the society's book may be found not only
minutes of ecclesiastical transactions, but of conveyance of real estate, and
sales of horses and cattle.
Several pages are filled with the record of bargains of this latter de-
scription, the price paid being sometimes in cash, but frequently in another
sort of currency, as shown by the following extract :
"August 5, 1703, Sam'U French sold James Hubbell* one horse — black,
with Abelle Binghams eare mark, 2 yr old, for the sume of 3 sheepe and
2 lams. Samuell Hubbell, Sr., Towne Clerke.
1704 James Hubbell exchanged a black horse yt he bought of Sam*ll
French with Abel Binghams ear marke, with John Clarke of Stratford, for
a sorrill horse marked with a halfe penny on ye foreside of ye off ear,
branded with F on ye near buttock; ye said Hubbell's horse was marked
with a halfe penny on ye underside of ye near ear and a halfe penny on
each side of ye off ear, with a star in ye forehead, and a white stripe on
ye nose.
Recorded by desire of both parties,
Samuell Hubbell, Sr, Recordcr."t
Mr. Chauncey's ministry lasted for over twenty years, during which
time both the church and the settlement steadily increased in numbers.
Besides the Sabbath services he was in the habit of delivering a religious
•James Hubbell was the youngest son of Richard the Fret, by his second wife, and died in 1777, aged 104
t Copied by Author lh)m "Society Book of Stratfleld Parish."
i6 HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY.
lecture once in seven weeks, according to the custom of the times. These
lectures must have been solid affairs, for it was usual to commence them
when the sun was at least three hours high, and they undoubtedly lasted
until sunset. On Sunday afternoon the youth of both sexes were as-
sembled in the church and catechised publicly. No levity of demeanor
was allowed upon such occasions, but it appears that even Puritan young
folks were sometimes tempted in that direction, as is shown by an entry
upon the society's record book.
" Voted that Nathaniel Wackle (Wakeley?) should be the man to look
after ye boyes a Sabbath dayes in time of Exercise, that they play not"
Besides the catechism, **ye boyes" were taught upon the week days
to read, write, and cipher, at least in the winter season, for in summer
they helped carry on the farms. The first school-house was built in 1703,
near the corner of Division Street and the old road. It was 21 feet in
length and 16 feet wide. The school-teacher stood only second in estima-
tion to the minister, and was always dignified with the honorary title of
master. His ordinary compensation was 40s. per month. All the text-
books used in the schools were the Bible and Youth's Instructor, which
last was afterwards superseded by Dil worth's Spelling Book. Instead of
using an arithmetic it was customary for the master "to set sums" The
rod was used freely in the schools, it being the ^popular opinion that '*to
spare the rod was to spoil the child." Who the first school-master was in
the parish we are not informed, but among the first was Master William
Rogers. The agreement entered into between him and the school com-
mittee for the parish of Stratfield, in the year 17 ID, is still extant, and is
as follows. The members of the committee that year were Samuel Hub-
bell, Sr., and Benjamin Fayerweather.
" The said William Rogers, Schoolmaster of the said Plantation, is to
keep a Reading and writing School in the said Plantation, to teach the
children & Youth to Read, write & cypher, the terme and time of Six
months, commencing on the first day of the Instant Janry (17 10). And if
said Rogers shall be wanting in said six months, he is to keep a night
school, — ^viz: five nights every week (unto) the Tenth day of March next,
and the said Plantation is to pay to (said) Rogers the sum of Nineteen
pounds as Provition pay, and the remaynder as hath been payd to other
Schoolmasters, to be judgd by the Treasurer of the place, at or before the
first day of April next."
The frequent mention of sheep, and the recurrence of the word sheep-
masters upon the parish records about this time, may require some ex-
planation. The following is believed to be substantially correct.
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY. 17
The country being well adapted to grazing, every farmer had his
flock, from whose wool the thrifty housewife prepared the homespun
clothing for the family.
The care of all the flocks in summer was entrusted to three "sheep-
masters,"* who for many years were chosen annually. The sheep were
permitted to graze on the commons under the care of a shepherd during
the da)rtime, but at night were all folded in a single inclosure. After a
time it occurred to the prudent sheep-masters that their revenues might
be increased by renting the sheep each night to the neighboring farmers
for the purpose of enriching their land,
Mr. Chauncey died upon the 31st of December, 1714. By his will
he appears to have been possessed not only of a small estate in Lambeth,
England, which his father had left him, but also of the old homestead in
Stratford, and of real estate, slaves, etc., in his own parish. These were
^vided between his widow and the surviving children.
It was some time before a successor to Mr. Chauncev could be found.
In the month of March following his death the society voted that Captain
David Sherman should be employed to go to " Cabruck " (Saybrook?) to
sec if he could not prevail upon Rev. Mr. Noyes, of that place, to be
their minister. His mission appears to have been unsuccessful.
Upon the 21st of June, 171 5, the society voted to extend a call to
Rev. Samuel Cooke, of New Haven, offering him a salary of one hundred
pounds sterling, and Major John Burr, Captains James Bennett and David
Shcnnan, Lieutenant Richard Hubbell,t and Sergeant John Odell, were
appointed a committee to treat with Mr. Cooke and see if he would ac-
cept the terms offered. Whether the minister was overawed by this dis-
play of military force or not does not appear, but he presently capitulated,
and signified his acceptance of the call in the following letter :
J"To the WorshipfuU Mr. James Bennett and the other Gentlemen of
the Comte Apinted By the Sosiety of Stratfield to treat with mee : — Gen-
flemcn, plas to inform your Sosiety that I am Content to sarve them in
•"The Town gives power to ye Sheop-Mastere att any time when they Judge urgent occasion to allow
t>RDy yt shall kUl a wolf within a mUe where ye flocks are usually loldcd, out of ye town treasuary of
je doing wt may be Encouraging as they think meet, as an addition to wt ye town and Country do allow,
imfidied they do not give for ye killing of each wolf out of ye said Treasury abouc twenty shillings ; this
to stand till ye town shall otherwise order, Feb., 1671." Copied by the Author from "Fairfield Town
I** It is probable that the sheep-masters of "Stratfield Parish" also paid for killing wolves.
t Second sou of Kichard Ilubbell, the First.
^The bad spelling is probably that of John Burr the recorder, who had a genius in that direction.
1 8 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
ye minestiy as soun as Convenient provided thay Agree CharfuUy and
unanimously to pay mee loo pound pr. annum as long as I shall Sarfe
them in that Capasety, to bee pad in Corant money of this Colony, or
provisions at the following Rates, viz:
** Indin 2s., ry at 2s. 8d., wheat at 4s. pr bushel, porck at 20s. pr cwt,
and also to provide me firewood annually, as much as I shall have occa-
sion for the yous of my family, provided I met with no discouragements
now unseen. I am Gentlemen your harty wel wisher & humble Sarvt,
Samll Cooke."
Mr. Cooke's terms were accepted, and he shortly came to Stratfield
and entered upon his duties. He took up his residence in a house nearly
opposite to that which had been owned by Mr. Chauncey, on the street
which is still called after him — Cooke's Lane. Mr. Cooke was a man of
much dignity, and his people held him in great respect. On public oc-
casions he always appeared in full ministerial costume, viz : a heavy curled
wig, black coat and small clothes, shoes fastened with silver buckles, and
over all a large cloak or gown.
In 1717, the building upon Meeting-House Hill being found too small
for the use of the Congregational Society,* a new house was built on the
northeast comer of Division Street and the old road. This edifice was
taken down in 1834, but some vestiges of it yet i*emain. The cost of the
building, including a gallery, which was afterwards added, was ;{!^300. The
two sexes occupied opposite sides of the house, and were seated by a
committee appointed for that purpose once a year, according to their dif-
ferent social position, or, as the old record quaintly has it, "by dignity,
Adge, and a State."
"September The nth, 1723. Att a lawfull Meating of The Society
of Stratfield, Then Voted and Agreed With John Hubbell,t that he shall
Cart mr. Cook's fire wood for the year Insueing, and To have teen pound
for His paines, and voted. That he shall have his Money by ye 20th of
march. Voted that Lieut Hubbell.J Serg Samuell Summers and Searg Jo-
seph Booth shall be schoole Committee to heire and agree with a Schoole
master for the year Insueing, also voted that Lemuele Sherwood Shall bee
ye keeper for ye pound§ for the year Insueing; also voted That Thomas
* See " List of Householders," in Apj>enflix to this work.
t Son of Richard Hubhell (the first) by his third wife.
X Lieutenant Richard Hubbell, son of Richanl Hubbell (the first.)
I The Pounder's Oath.—" You, . being sworn pounder for ye Town of Fairfield for ye year Ensue-
Ing and until you be chosen and sworn into your work, do either of you for your selves — swear by ye
great and dreadful name of ye eyerlasting God, yi you will faith lully perfonu and execute ye office you
are Chosen to, without partiality to any niMU, and U) spend «> much time in ye executing your aforesaid
work as vou shall Judge necessarj* for ye pre>ervation of ye fruits of ye fields, So help you God in our
Lord Jesus Christ." Copied by the Author irom "Fairefield Town Record." It is probable that the "Society
of Stratfield " used the same form of oath.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 19
Chambers Shall Sect In ye west Gallery to look after ye boyes on Sab-
bath days, to keep them in Good order, for the year Insueing ; voted that
John Hubbell Shall seet in ye front Gallery to look after ye boyes on
ye Sabbath dayes to keep them In Good order, for the Year Insueing."
"Stratfield the 15th day, 1730-31. I have received of Ephraim Hub-
bell,* Collector, att Sundry times, In the whole, The sum of one hundred
and Twenty five pounds, in full of my salary, payable aprill last, as also
Six pounds in order of the Scool Comtee, and my sheep money. I say
received in full by me.
Samuel Cooke,
The above said receet was brought to record Janry the 26th day,
1730-3 1. "t (For further records of the family in Stratfield Parish, see
Appendix.)
In December, 1696, Richard Hubbell deeded to his son, Samuel
Hubbell, Junior, the real estate described in the following:
" Samuel Hubbell, Junior,! hath had given him by deed of gift from
his father, Richard Hubbell, these several parcells of land, viz : four acres
of his pasture lot, be it more or less, lying in fairfield, at paquonock,
bound on ye east and southeast with highways, on ye southwest with ye
highway, on ye northwest or north with his own land, ye land of Isaac
Wheeler, Junior. Also, one parcell of land on ye east side of Unaway
River in ye field in quantity eight acres, be it more or less, bounded on
m
ye northwest with a highway, on ye northeast with his sd father's land.
Also, on ye southeast with his sd father's land, southwest with ye land of
James Benit and Samuel Wilson. Also, one parcell of meadow land in
ye field it being in quantity by estamation about three acres, be it more
or less, bound on ye southeast with ye brook, on ye southwest with ye
land of Samuel Tredwell, on ye west and northwest with land belonging
to ye heirs of Henry Jackson, deceased, on ye east or northeast with land
of Samuel and Richard Hubbell. Also, part of his sd father's long lot in
ye woods, it being ye whole breadth forty acres of ye sd lot for him to
take in any part of ye sd lot, ye lot is bounded on ye rear or northwest
with ye wilderness, beyond ye towne boundry, on ye front or southwest
• Son of Samuel Hubbell, Senior, who was recorder of the "Stratfield Society" from 1694-5 until his
death, in 1713.
+ Copied by the Author fh)m " original;' on record, of " Stratfield Parish."
X See names of children of Richard Hubbell the First in " Genealogical Record," in this work.
20 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
with ye common, on ye northeast with ye land of Capt. Sherwood, on ye
southwest with a highway, 8th December, 1696."*
According to the Old Land Records, Richard Hubbell resided on
what \s now known as Clinton Avenue, between North and Fairfield
Avenues, near the Stratfield Burying Ground, (where he is buried). That
part of the parish was called Pequonnock, and is now included in the
City of Bridgeport.
He died October 23rd, 1699, aged about seventy-two years.
As his will and inventory are very interesting, they are given in full,
as is the will of his widow, Abigail.
** In the name of God, Amen. I, Richard Hubbell,t of Paquonnock,
in ye County of Fairefield, aged seventy-two years or thereabouts, being
at present in perfect health, and of sound memory and understanding, do
make this my last will and testament in manner and forme following,
(viz :) I commit my body to the earth, to be desently buryed by survi-
ving relations, my soul into the hands of Jesus Christ my blessed Saviour
and Redeemer, and as to what worldly estate God hath been pleased to
bless me with, I doo hereby give, bequeath, and will the some as foUoweth,
(viz:)
Imprimis. I doo hereby ratifie and confirme unto my sonne, John Hub-
bell, decd,;^ his heirs and assigns, whatever I have formeriy g^ven
him as by deed of guift will appear, and to his sonne, Richard Hubbell,§
I give ye sume of five shillings. I doo ratifie and confirme to my
Sonne, Samuel Hubbell, Senior,|| whatsoever I have formerly given
him as by deed of guift. will app. as also I doo give unto him five
pounds in provision pay, to be payd him immediately after my de-
cease.
It. I doo give to Ebenezer Hubbell,^ sonne of my sonne, Ebenezer Hub-
bell,** fourty acres of land, to be taken out of my long lott
It. I doo give and confirme unto my sonne, Richard Hubbell,tt whatso-
ever lands he doo now enjoy of myne, and what he shall see cause
to improve within ye space of tenn years, of my long lott.
* <^opied by Author from "Fairfield Land Records,"
t In the original will \\\!a name is spelled HuburU, this is probably as he pronounced it. The scribe
who wrote the will evirl^ntly ilid n«»t know how to spell the name, so wrote it phonetically. It is the
only plin:e that I have f«>and on rec«>rd where the name is so spelled. It is spelled Hubbell in the order
of the pruUite c«»iirt. that app*.-ars on the back of the will.
tJohii FIriMU'll di»'d l»".'.*i. of >nuill jhix. \Vu.« a Lieutenant.
J Huhard H\i\>^t*:d, die»l 17.>. in Uuutiugt<jn, i.'ounecticut.
; .**amuel Hubbell, r^enior, died 171:5.
*" EJ>enezer, 'H«>n of Ebenezer Hubbell,) died 17'J).
** El^enezer Hubf^ell dierl in New London, Connecticut, 1&)S.
ft Richard Hubbell, Jr.. died I7:«.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMH.Y, 21
It I doo give and bequeath to my daughter, Elizabeth ffrost,* over and
besides what she hath already had and reed, of me, ye sume of Twenty
pounds.
It I doo give and bequeath to my daughter, Mary Newton,! ye sume
of ffive pounds.
It I give and bequeath to my daughter, Martha Wakeman,| over and
besides what I have formerly given her, one heavie piece of eight.§
It I give and bequeath to my sonne, Samuel Hubbell, Junior,|| over
and besides what I have formerly given him as by deed of guift or
otherwise shall app. what land he shall see cause to improve in my
long lott, not hereby before disposed of.
It. I give to my daughter, Abigail ffrench,Tf one Cow, and after my
wife's desease, Tenn pounds of my moveable estate.
It I doo give and bequeath to my daughter, Sarah Hubbell,** ye sume
of one hundred pounds in currant provision pay.
It I give and bequeath to my three sonnes, James,tt JosephJJ and John§§
Hubbell, all my lands not herein before given, to be equally divided
between them, only my sonne James to have out of this guift ffoure
acres of meadow in the great meadow ; all the rest of my estate,
reall and psonall, I doo hereby give and bequeath to my loving wife,
Abigail,|||| during her naturall life, whome together, with my sonne,
Samuel Hubbell, Senior, I doo make sole and whole executors of this
tny last will and testament, to whome my just debts and legacies
being first payd ; I doo hereby give and bequeath all the rest of my
estate not herein before given and bequeathed, still meaning and in-
tending my wife not to have anything thereof longer than during her
natural life.
* Elizabeth, married Jlrd^ Joseph Frost, and eecond, Samuel UuU.
t Mary, married James Newton.
X Martha, married Captain John Wakcman.
2 " One heavie piece of eight," a foreign coin current in the colony at that day.
I Samuel Hubbell, Junior, attended the Congregational Church In " Fairfield Parish," and as there
Are no deaths recorded on its books between May IGth, 161)5, and October 17th 1811, it is impossible to tell
when he died.
f Abigail, married Samuel French.
•* Sarah, married " Deacon" Jodah Stevens, same year, (1699.)
ft James Hubbell died in October, 1777, aged 101 years.
XX Joseph Hubbell died in 1700, before the age of 21.
2) John Hubbell died in 1774.
II See "Genealogical Record," in this work.
22 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto sett my hand and seale, this
ffifth day of Aprill, in the year of our Lord, 1699.
Richard Hubbell, his marke.
Sealed and delivered in ye presence of
IsAAK Knapp,
Jonas Pitmans/'J
The following is from the back of the foregoing will:
'• November ye 20th, 1699, Isaak Knapp, Jonas Pitmans p sonally
apped before me and made Oath that ye within written instrument was
sealed and delivered by ye within named Richard Hubbell, as his last will
and testamt in their sight and presents.
Richard Blacklash,§ Justice."
The following order of the Prorogative Court is also on the back of
tlie will :
" Sargt. Richard Hubbell|| being decsd, an Inventory of his Estate
with A writeing in forme of A will being Exhibited to ye Prorogative
Court in Fairfield, November 20, 1699, this Court do Approve ye sd In-
ventory, and do order it to be Recorded, and this Court seeing so much
of Inconsistansy in said will, do see Cause not to Allow, but do disap-
prove ye sd Will, and therefore do not see Cause to record the same ;
and this Court do Appoint and Impower Mr. Samuel Hubbell, Sr., and ye
Widow Abigail Hubbell, Relict of sd Sargt Hubbell, to Administer on
sd Estate, to pay and receive all just debts to and from ye sd Estate, and
to present, make, and return an account of ye Clear estate to ye said
Court, or when called for; and they are hereby Impowered to place out
ye children of ye sd Sargt. to some good trade at their best discresion."
* Traced flrom the original mark and sent to the Author by Mrs. Elizabeth Hubbell Schenck, " Hii^
torian of the Town of Fairfield."
t From an impression In wax, made by the same lady.
J Copied by the Author from the original Will, now on file In "Pn>bate Court, in Town of Fairfield,
Fairfield County, Connecticut" Kichard Ilubbell's Will has a very ancient appearance, having been made
oyer one hundred and eighty years ago. The seal is of red wax, and contains the figure of a Peacock or
Crane.
\ Perhaps Blackleach
il Richard Ilubbell was a member of the military company of the village, with the rank of sergeant.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
23
"An Inventory of the Estate of Sargt. Richard Hubbell,
fairfield Vilage, taken September 3, 1699, as followeth:
to one broad Cloath Cloake, ;^3 ; broad Cloath Coat, £% ids.
One Sarg Vest, ;£"! ids,; i ould Coat, 15s.; i ditto, los.,
One pair of ould Lether briches, ;^i ; i pr of Shoes, 9s, ; to
stockings, 5s.,
to Linen, iSs. ; to 2 hats, 15s.; I sword and belt, £\ 2s.,
to I gun, ;£'i IDS.; to i gun lock, ids.; i vest, is.; i raisor
2s. ; bullet mould, 2s.,
to books not given before to-day, 6s.; to i winscut bedsted, is.
to Curtain rods and Valens, £\, 5s.; to fether bed and
bolster, £^,,
to I Coverlid and i blanket, £2 ; 2 pillows and Coverlid
yam, 12s,. . ,
3 flock beds, £\^ los. ; 2 fether bolsters, 15s..
fethers and silkgras, 8s.; 11 sheets, ;^2 15s., .
6 old Coverlids, 15s.; i blankit, i6s. ; 2 New Coverlids
£2 IDS. all,
I Sale Coverlid, 15s.; i Winescut bedsted, £\ Ss.,
I ould bested, los.; i Trundle bedsted, ids.; i ditto, 5s.,
I cupboard and Locke, 1;^" los. ; Winescut Chest and box, £\
1 chest, I2S.; i trunk, Ss. ; I Cupboard Cloath, 12s,; i cup-
board Cloath, Linen, is. 6d.,
4 Chairs, i6s. ; 3 Cushions, 6s.; i Small Table, los.,
2 Sider barrells, 4s. ; 2 meat barrells; 4s. ; 3 halfe tubs, 4s.,
Old Casks, 6s.; 2 runlets, 2s. ; bredtray, 6d ; Ridles, 6s.,
2 hanpails, 4s. ; 2 small butter tubs, 4s. ; Cheesefatts, 2s.,
wooden ware, 4s.; 2 ould sines, 2s. ; 6 Trenchers, is., .
i^ bushil, IS.; i great table, 4s.; 2 spinning wheels, los.,
I hetchel. ids.; cranks, 3s,, ....
I sieth, 7s.; 2 sickles, 5d.; 2 new hoes, ios„ .
I shovell, 4s, ; i spade, 5s., . , , .
1 mathlock, 6s.; 2 old hoes, 2s. ; i handsaw, is.,
2 narrow axes, los.,
I ads 5s.; 2 gimblits, is.; to sieth tackling, 3s.,
ould gauge and chisell, is. 6d.,
ould Iron 4s. ; i Lb of steell, 2s. ; small Chain,
8 sheepshears, 2s. each
pincers, 2s. ; fire tongs, 3s, ; tramells, los.,
firepeall, 6s. ; hoarsegeers, ids , .
deceased,
of
£. s.
d.
6 10
0
2 15
0
I 14
0
2 12
0
2 05
0
07
0
6 OS o
2 12 o
2 OS o
3 03 o
4
2
I
2
I
I
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
01
00
05
10
10
12
12
14
10
07
IS
13
17
09
09
10
09
01
06
16
15
16
o
o
o
o
6
o
o
6
o
o
o
o
S
o
o
o
o
6
o
o
o
o
24
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
2 hoarse collers, 4s.; bridle and saddle and cloath, £1, .
I pair of iron fetters, 6s
I pair of stilyards, 14s. ; pees hoocke, 2s.,
36 pounds puter, at 2s. 6d. p lb., ^£ los.,
10 pounds old peuter, . ......
I bear pot, 5s.; great brase kitle, £6\ small ditto, £1, .
I brase skillit, 6s.; i bras pan and kitle and Candlestick, 9s
I ould warming pan, los. ; Cup and Salt Seller, 2s.,
9 spoons, 3s.; tunell, 6d., ...,,..
I iron pot, £1 \ ditto, £\ los. ; i iron kitle, i6s. : frying
pan, los
I Lamp, 2s. 6d. ; driping pan, 7s. ; i yoake with furniture, 3s
A Cart and wheels and boxis and bands and extra pins and
hingpin, and i all,
I great plow and Irons, £1 los, ; i small ditto and shear, ids
beetle and rings and wedgis, 7s., 16 lbs. Nailes, i6s. ;
diaper Table Cloath, los.,
5 diaper Napkins, ss. ; Table Linen, 2s. 6d. ; Salt, 6d., .
4 bushels wheat, ;^i ; 50 bushels Indian corn, 6s. 5d., .
4 bags, I OS. ; looking-glass, 2s. 6d. ; to butter and meat, ids
to Wheat in ye barn, £2] to barley In ditto, £1/^,
To oats, £6 ; to ry^y £1 4s. ; to flax, £2 ; to haye, £y,
1 pair fat oxen. ;^I2; i pair of working oxen, ;£'i2,
4 Cows at £4 pr pc. ; 4 3-year old steers, ;^I2; 4 2-year
olds at £S,
2 weekes Calves, £1 los. ; i sorril horse, £$,
I horse £2; sheep at lOs. pr. piece, ;^ii los, ; 12 lames
at ^3
6 Swine, £6; 1 grindstone, i6s. ; i Cow-bell, 6s,; i Cup-
board, 8s.,
I box Iron, 4s. 6d. ; i grater, i6d. ; 2 Earthen pots, is.,
Cart ropes, 3s. ; truill, 2s. ; i branding Iron, 2s. ; i barrell
pistoll, 6s.,
I dwelling house, £30; i barn, ;^20, ....
4 acres of homlot with orchard; i acre of it at £$, swamp
and side hill, ye other 3 acres at £10,
4 acres of English meadow, at ;^io per acre,
24 Acres of Land in ye homestead, at £y per acre,
13 acres of Land near Capt. Sherwood, £6 per acre,
lij4 acres of land, lot at £6 per acre, ....
5 acres ditto In Jackson's Necke, at £S,
of
I
04
0
0
06
0.
0
16
0
4
10
0
I
OS
0
7
OS
0
0
IS
0
0
12
0
0
03
6
3
16
0
0
12
6
I
10
0
2
00
0
I
13
0
8
00
0
7
OS
0
I
02
6
16
00
0
16
04
0
24
00
0
36
00
0
4
10
0
16 10
7
10
0
6
10
0
0
13
0
50
00
0
3S
00
0
40
00
0
168
00
0
78
00
0
69
00
0
40
00
0
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
25
8 acres of meadow In Jackson's Neck, at 8 per acre,
6 acres of Land Joining to ye homested, these Saml. Hubbell,
Sen., hath Liberty by grant from his father to purchase
at ye sum of £^0\ and said Hubbell doth say before us,
ye subscribers, that he doth now enter upon sd Land,
and will pay the purchase, ......
The long lot £6o, and all his right in perpetuall comons, £\o^
his right in hauls necke,
A parcell of land in Fairfield, lyeing near or between John
Wakeman's bam and Elnathan Sanford's house, to say 30
feet long and 20 feet wide, fronting to ye highway,
2 Last divisions at Campo, .......
4^ acres Wheat on ye Ground,
I broad ax, 8s.; 2 forks, iss, ; shealing ax, 5s.; 10 Lb. ax, 2s.,
64 00 o
40 00 o
70 00 o
I
00
0
4
00
0
9
GO
0
30
00
0
;^736,
08,
0.
This Inventory taken pr. us, whose sd names are under writen pr.
order of ye selectmen of fairfield.
Mathew Sherwood.
James Benit.
The widow. Relic of Sargt. Richard Hubbell, appeared in ye prerog-
ative Court, November 20, 1699, and made oath to ye truth of the above
Inventory."
"Fairfield, March 14th, 1700.
* To be added to ye Inventory of Sargt. Richard Hubbell, deceased,
as followeth. As ye widow presents.
£ s d
To Two ould augers, ....
To draft yock with ye Eyrrons,
To 2 bushils of flax at 9 s. per bushil, ,
To 35^ Acres of land at ;^5 ss. per acre.
To 8 Acres of field Land at £(> per acre.
To I Acre and quarter of medow at
To ye Portion of Lot yt was Isaak Sherwood's,
Taken by us ye day and date above.
GO
02
G
GO
06
G
GO
12
G
18
07
g6
48
GO
G
ID
GO
G
■s, .
3
GO
G
;^8o
07
6
Matthew Sherwood,
jA
NfES
Benitt,
• Copied bjr the Author from "RecordB of Probate Court, Fairfield," Connecticut
26 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
£ s. d.
Brot. forward, 736 08 o
80 07 6
Total value of his estate as per inventories, . ;£"8i6 15s 6d."
" Rec'd of Sam'U Gregory and Matthew Sherwood, Jun., a§ persons
appointed by the Prerogative Court held in Fairfield, March 19th, 17CX), to
make distribution of the Elstate of Seargt. Richard Hubbell, my deceased
husband, the sum of Two hundred Thirty-five pounds Nine Shillings and
Eight pence in houseing and lands and part of Commonage, and also the
sum of Fourty Two pounds Nine shillings and Eight pence in Moveables,
the same being my due proportion of said Estate, and also the sum of
Sixteen pounds Thirteen shillings and three pence, Pr. order and on accnt
of Josiah Stevens, the same being the present due proportion of his wife
Sarah Stevens, her right in said Estate. I say Rec'd March 25 th, 1700,
Pr. me.
Abigail Hubbell."*
t " Rec'd of Sam*ll Gregory and Mathew Sherwood, Jun., as persons
appointed by the Prerogative Court, held in Fairfield, March 29th, 1700,
to make distribution of the Estate of my father, Sarg*t Richard Hubbell,
deceased, the sum of Seventy seven Pounds, Five Shillings and Nine pence,
the same being the present due proportion of sd Estate, in right belonging
to my selfe, as son to sd Richard Hubbell, deceased. I say it was Rec'd
March 2Sth, 1700, by me.
Richard Hubbell."J
"In the name of God Amen. The eleventh day of February, 1705, I,
Abigail Hubbell, of Stratfield, being of Perfect mind and memory, thanks
be given unto God therefor, calling unto mind the mortality of my body,
and knowing that it is appointed for all men to die, do make and ordain
this my last will and testament; that is to say, principally and first of all,
I give and recommend my soul into the hands of God that gave it, and
my Body I recommend to the earth to be buryed in desent christian
buryall at the discretion of my Executors, nothing doubting but at the
general resurreciion I shall receive the same again by the mighty power
of God. And as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased
God to bless me with In this life, I give, demise and dispose of the same
in the following manner and form :
* Copied by the Author from " Records of Probate Court," Fairfield, Connecticut,
t Copied by the Author from " Records of Probate Court," Fairfield, Connecticut.
X Richard was his second son, and the oldest living in i700.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 27
Item. I give ten shillings in money towards buying a flagon for the com-
munion table in this place.
Item. I give all my wearing apparall to my two daughters, Abigail Bos-
twick and Johannah Odell, to be equally divided to them, and if either
of them die before this will takes place, which is at my decease, then
their daughter, or daughters, shall inherit their mother's part; and in
case 'either of my daughters decease and leave no daughter, then it is
my Will that my daughter that hath out Lived of the two above
named shall have all my wearing apparell if she that dieth first leave
no daughter to inherit at my decease.
Item. I give all the rest of my Estate that I shall die possessed of, after
Just debts and my funerall charges paid, unto my living son John
Hubbell,* but if it please God to take him away by death, And he
leave no issue of his body to Inherit, then it is to be equally divided
between my three children, to my son Robert Walker,! Abigail Bost-
wick, Johannah Odell, or their children, in case any of them dye be-
fore this my will take place. I likewise constitute, make and ordain
my son Robert Walker my sole Executor of this my last Will and
testament; and I do hereby utterly disavow all other former wills
whatsoever, Ratifying this and no other to be my last Will and
testament, confirming that deed of gift of a small annuity in England
to my son Robert Walker and his heirs forever, to ye full of his
portion, which deed of gift bears date 17th April, 1688; in witness
whereof I have set to my hand and seal the day and year above
written; note before signing, that my son John is not to inherit until
twenty-one years or marriage.
Signed, Sealed and declared in presents of us,
Abagail Hubbell.
James Bennett, Sen. I t-. i_ ^i_ ^v
•' ' > December the loth, 17 17.
Mary Bennett, j
These may satisfy all concerned that I, Abigail Hubbell, Subscriber to
the within written Will, do make and ordain this as a Codicel to the same
not to alter the within will, nor remove the Executor of the same.
It'm. I give and bequeath to my two daughters Abigail Bostwick and to
Johannah Odell, in addition to what I have given them allready by
my Will aforesaid, that is to say, i Chair, i pair Sheets marked
• John Hubbell, died 1774, was her youngest child by Sergeant Richard Hubbell ; her son, Joseph
Hubbell, by same husband, died 1700.
t Robert Walker, Abigail Bostwick and Johannah Odell, were her children by her first husband
Joseph Walker, of Stratford, Connecticut,
Witnesses, I >^^" Bennett, Sen.,
/Phillip Lewiss.
28 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY,
with A. H., 2 pillows, 2 pillow beers marked with A. H., i small table
cloth, 2 towells, I new bason of 3 pints, i quart bason, 2 pint basons,
I porringer, i Stone Jugg, i glass bottle, 3 Earthen potts, i pair
drinking potts, I cup, i porringer, i lamp, pair bellows, i water pail,
I hand pail, and for the confirmation of this Codicell I have Set to
my hand the day and date above.
Widow Abigail Hubbell.
In presents of us,
declared and noted before Signing that
the above particulars here given shall
not bear any part of paying my debts
or charges."*
"Mr James Bennett and Mrs. Mary Bennett appeared before the
Court of Probate held in Fairfield, February 5th, 1717-18, and made
oath that they saw the above Testator, Abigail Hubbell sign and seal the
above written Will, and that they Judged her to be in her mind and un-
derstanding at the time of signing the same, and that they aflSxed their
names. Also the said James Bennett and Rev. Phillip Lewis made sol-
emn oath before the Court on the date above, that they saw Abigail
Hubbell signe the within Codicell and Judged her to be in her right
mind and understanding at the time of signing the same, that they
affixed their names thereto as witnesses.
Robert Walker, who was nominated and appointed Executor in
the last Will and testament of his mother, Abigail Hubbell, late of
Stratfield, deceased, appeared in the Court of Probate, held in Fairfield,
February 5th, 1717-18, and declared that he would not accept of the
trust of Executorship committed to him, wherefore this Court do ap-
point and Impower John Hubbell, son of the deceased Abigail Hub-
bell, to administer on the Estate, with the Will annexed, to make, or
cause to be made, a true Inventory, and the same to Exhibit to the
Court in Fairfield within 6 months next after this date.
And John Hubbell acknowledged himself bound to Nathan Gold,
Esqr., Judge of the probate in the Recognizance of ;^ 100 for a faithfnll
discharge of his Administering, According to the above order of Court "f
• Copied by the Author from " Records of Probate Court, Fairfield, Connecticut"
t Copied by the Author fh>m " Records of Probate Court, Fairfield, Connecticut"
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JOHN HUBBELL, of Stratford, Fairfield County, Colony of Connecticut,
son of Richard Hubbell and Elizabeth Meigs, was bom in New
Haven, (New Haven County,) Colony of Connecticut, in 1652.
He was raised in Guilford, Connecticut, and it was there he spent
his early youth.
The history of Derby, Connecticut, says : that " John Hubbell was
one of six men to whom were appointed by the Cotirt fifty acres of
land near the Old Fort, on the east side of the Housatonic river,"
** At a Town Meeting, February 18th, 1683, the town granted to said John Hubbell,
twenty acres of pasture land, upon the northwest side of ye east hill near Woodbury old
path, pioyided highways be not hindered.
On March 2nd, 1688, the town of Derby, Connecticut, granted to Mr. John Hubbell,
a fifty acre allotment in the neck, (viz), that lot formerly granted to Josiah Nichols and after-
ward to Johnathan Nichols, this land was granted to ye said Hubbell, provided he come to
Derby this next April or May with his family and settle a consistent inhabitant for the
full time of seven years, to be fViUy issued upon ye place, and also to build a sufficient
house, (viz), a tenantable house to entertain a family, great or small, and also to pay ye
purchase money of ye said land to the town, or unto such as ye said town shall ap-
point, if it do not appear to ye town's satisfaction it be already done, and also to pay ye
minister's rate now due from ye said lot, and all other charges, with the rest of the in-
habitants."*
In January, 1683, he became the owner of the land described in the
following ancient deed :
t" Know All Men p these presents, yt J. Samuel Sherman, Senr, of Stratford, in his Maisteys
Colony of Connecticut in new england, have aleinated and sould & doe p thes preseance sell, alinat
and set afar from Me and from My heirs, to John Hubbell, of Derby, in ye Coliney aboue sdd and to
his heirs and assignee for ever : for a valuable Consideration of Land to-day Received of ye sdd
Hubbell p way of exchange : Thes seural parcels of laad her after Mentioned : lu priraci, My home
Lot Lying next to ye home Lot of Samll black' n deccsod, apertains to Adam Biackman, Sen. to ye
sad Samll Biackman : My sadd home Lot I Mack ofer to ye aboue sad hubbell, with all ye bilding
an<i trees thareon, with the siderpres & house thare to belonging, ye sadd home lot in quantity three
akers, & is boundn on ye north with ye highway, one ye east with ye Land of ye sad Biackman, one
* From *' DcTby Land Records."
t Copied by the Author from the original deed now in possession of Richard Henry Hubbell, of
Huntingdon, " Upper White Hills," Connecticut.
30 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
ye south with My own Laod, one ye west with ye Land of my son Nathanill : as also one pereall
Land adioyning to ye south end of ye aboue said home Lot, being in quantety two akers. and is
bounded on ye noh with ye abou sdd Land, one ye east with ye land of the abousaid Blackman, one
ye south and west with My own Land : as also one percel of Land and Medo Ling at the south end
of My paster, being in quantity fifteen akers, and is bounded one ye east with ye Land of Mr.
Richard Blacklig, and on ye south with ye land of Joseph Bersley, and one ye west with the Crick,
on ye north With My owne Land: as also one pereall Land Lying at ye foot of Stoney Creek hill,
being in qpantety fouer akers and half, Mor or Les, And is Bounded one ye Noh with the Land of
Joseph Baraley, and one ye east with ye highway, and one ye south with the Land of John Wilcoka,
8enr, & one ye south with ye medo of ye aboue said Blackman : as also one pece of Land Lintr one
Stoney Creek hill, being in quantety three akers and half, More or Les, Bounded one the North,
west and south with ye highway, and one the east with ye land of Thomas wels : as also one Parcell
Medo Lyng in the new paster, being in quantety two Akers and halfe, all the aboue said parsels of
Land and Medo I have sould to the said John hubbell and to his ht^irs and asignes, to I may and
poses as his owne free Land, to I may with out any Sett Claim or Molisstation from the Day of the
Date herof foreuer, Affirming My selfe to be the treu propriater, and to haue Lawfull reight to sell
the primases, and I Do free And Exonerat all the said parcels of Land and bilden, with all the
priualiges, Commonagus and appurtances Belongin to the primases, or aney waye thare unto apur-
taining from all former bargins sales and Incumbrances what so euer, and now the said Land Medo
and other eya primaces is to be Recorded in the name and to the propiiy of the said John hubbell. In
Witness whare of, I haue hereunto Set to My hand this nintenth Day of January, one thousand six
hundred and Eaightey and three.
Samuell Sherman, Sexr. Owner.
W^ittnis : Signed and Dleued in presance ot us.
Stephen Burritt,
Nathaniel Sherman."
Recorded in folio 51 G.
In 1678 he lost a finger evidently in the service of his country, as is
shown by following clause :
"The General Court, May 13, 1678, granted to John Hubbell, in consideration of his loss of
one of his fingers and cure, &c., one hundred acres of lands, provided he take it up where it may
not pijudice any former grant to a plantation or perticular person."*
After receiving from Governor Robert Treat his commission as Lieu-
tenant (a fac-simile of which appears on the opposite page), he embarked
for Albany, about seven weeks after the Schnectedy massacre, and was in
discharge of his duties when attacked by that loathsome disease, small-
pox, from which he died. He was buried — strange as it may seem — in
full uniform, and a stone bearing his initials and the year of his death
(1690) was placed above his grave.
The Indians with whom he was engaged in conflict, disinterred his
body at night, and appropriated to their own use his uniform.
The effect was terrible, and must have satisfied the Cololonial Gov-
ernment that Lieutenant John Hubbell was an efficient officer even in
death, for half the tribe fell victims to their cupidity, and died of small-
pox.
* See C/Oloniul Records of Connecticut, Vol. Ill, p. 6. (In Appendix to this work.)
r
«
^^
1^
ift
f^l
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 31
The clergy made good use of the horrible catastrophe, and many
sermons are said to have been preached, of which his untimely death was
the text."*
'' An Inventorj of the Estate of Lieut. John Hubbell, of Stratford, deceased, taken by us as
it was appointed, this 13th October, 1090 :
£>. 8. d.
Imprimis to weareing Apparill, 06 05 0
It. to two guns, * . . 03 00 0
It. to Bible and other Books, 01 10 0
It. to Bedstead, beds, and beding, 17000
It. to A Cupboard, Chest, and Box or truck, 03 00 0
It. to Sheets and pillow bears and Table Cloath, . . 04 15 0
It. to Tables and Chairs and forms, . . , 0 > 18 0
It. to Iron Pots, 10 00 0
It. to Tramill tongs, pot hooks, 00130
It. to Brass Skails, 01 10 0
It. topewtir, , 08 03 0
It. to wooden and £arthen wear, . 01 06 0
It. to A warming pan, 00 15 0
It. to Wheels and Sienes, , . 10 08 0
It. to tackling for A teen, 05 14 0
It to two axes and saws, 00 18 0
It. to Sheeps wooll, 01 00 0
It. to one ox and four Cows, 21 00 0
It. to Horses and Mares, 17 q^ ^
It. ta three yeare olds , 39 00 0
It. to other young Catle, 08 00 0
It. to fine Swine, . . , . , 07 10 0
It. to forty sheep, 20000
It. to Wh^t in ye Bam, 30 00 0
It. to oats in ye Barn, , 06 00 0
It. to flax, - 02 00 0
It. to Wheat upon ye Ground, 06 00 0
It. to Build. ugH, Uplands and meadow, . . , 470 00 0
It. to A fan, 00 05 0
It. to A sickle, A pitch forke, . . , 00 10 0
£698 158. Od.
Two sons and A daughter under age.
Margary, 9 yr of age. Samuell Sherman,
Richard, 6 yr of age.f Damell Pickett.
Josiah, two yrs of age. J
Patience Hubbell, widow, Relic of Lieut. John Hubbell, deceased, sworn to truth of ye above
Inventory, and if anything come to hand belonging thereto it shall be added, this 22 of November,
1690.
Before me, Nathan Gold, Oerk."J
• Written from facts narrated to the Author by Ilezekiah Hubbell, of Uuntington, " Upper White Hills,"
Connecticut, a great-great-grandson of Lieutenant John Hubbell.
t Lived In Stratford. Died 1758.
X Lived in Stratfleld. Died 1752.
I Copied by the Author flrom the original, now on file In "Probate Court, at Fairfield, Fairfield County,
Connecticut."
52 HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY
-Tiie iBTdLtcrr of je Eenxit of lient. Jolm HiiM«eI] was Exhibeted to A 9pe«hall Court,
Ltfud ht iiLirfifsld, tids i'4ili daj of Novemlicr. lO^K ft&d re «»d Oi apprvrAh thereof and ordereth it
u> t« i>i0-irQ«d. fMud Hublifrll dieiop inief^uiie <d Conn afipcdst* Mr. Joedah Xicbols and SamueQ Hab-
beli Mu- iriiL jc- iridcir. Bcilici of jtr sa5d lieut. Habbeill, Ui ftdxuinisacr on re sd E«ax«, and defend
it Ircnu eui>.iez«QsieiiU t:> imj ani B<eirard all Just debts due to an from re said Estate, and take Care
of Tt ^.Mldrezi. aad Eetnm an aoccnmi to re next C'CmiTT C-cnm in Mardi for a settlement/"
*' Wbercaaf, tbe Ckhzii in Fairfield, Sefiicimber 2->d. K»£«l, made a settlement of je Estate of
laeutt^kiu Joliii Hubbell. deoea»ed. and gare io re widov. Betliei of $d Hnlibell, £124 out of ye
mvraitile part of *«d £<(La3e and Samuel Hawler. of Straifoinl. bating nnoe married jre sd Widow, sees
cause In Bi^t of Limself and Li« wife, and doib informe re prerogaxire C-ourt in ftdrfield, this 20 of
Norember, l*jC-»?- iLat be doth RcliDguisb £Nr» pcaindf of je sd moTali^ part of je Estate, and desire
tbax re Court would make f^ttlemexit tberectf aor(«rding t<i law. wlueh £85 the Court do distribate as
foUowetii : Imiirimis re Eldest son t^o bare a donlile pctrtion. and jre next son and je daughter to hmre
f <ji2«I] and single portions om of re said moTa.bles, which l*riog all of je cbOdren, and this oourt do
detdre and appoint re abore said Mr. Samuel Hawler and Mr. Samuel Hubbell. Senior, of Fairfield,
Ut make distribaiion of je sd morables aeoording to this ord^ of Court." ""^
RICHARD HUBBELL, of Stratfield, Fairfield County, Colony of Con-
necticut, son of Richard Hubbell and Elizabeth Meigs, was bom in Guilford,
New Haven County, Colony of Connecticut, in 1654, and moved to Fair-
field County with his parents when about eight years of age.
He was a wealthy planter and held many offices of trust. Was one of
the nine original members of the First Congregational Church of Stratfield
Parish. Was a Lieutenant (For additional &cts concerning him, see ab-
stracts from "Colonial Records of Connecticut," and "'Society Book of
Stratfield Parish," in Appendix to this work.)
The silver tankard he willed to the church, is still in use. It is
valued in the inventory of his estate at ^."55, and is of ver>^ elegant work-
manship, as can be seen from the engraving on the opposite page.
*• In ye name of Go-i Amen. I. Richard Hubbell, of Stratfield. Being at this time In Good
HeltL. tfarougfa (j*A's goctdness to me, an<l Calling to mind ye weakness and frailty of mankind, and
in pfrticknlar My owne frailty and ye uncertainty of my l>ays here on Earth, Lk) Make this, my
\jL«i Will And Testanjent in maner and f^rm as foUoweth :
Iht. I Gire and bequeath my Predion? and Immortal Soule Into the Hands of Almighty God that
^jaTe it. In Hoj* *A Parlon And accept-ance Thn.«ugh ye merits and Interaesion of ye Lord
JeKu? rhrisi my .Vlone Savior and Redeemer, And my R»»dy I Commit to ye Earth to be desently
int*rre«j. at ye discresionof my Ex'tor. or Ex't^rs. hereafter named, nothing doubting but Ishall
Receive the eame again in ye General Resurrection of ye just to Inherit Ererlasting Life through
Jet>uii Christ mv Redeemer.
• O.'pied by the Author from the original, now on tile In *• Probate Court, at Fairfield,'' Fairfield County,
ConnecticuL
I
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY. 33
And as for ye worldly Goods, it hath Pleased God to Give me, I do hereby Give and Dispose
of In manner and form following. After my Just Debts And funarall Expenses are paid, my
Will Is, and T do hereby Give my Silver Tankard to the Church of Christ in Stratfield, for ye use
of ye Lords Tabell.
I Give to my Wife that I shall Leave my Widow, one third part of my Movable Estate After my
Just debts are paid, to be hers forever, and the use of one half of my house and bam, and ye use
of all my Hom Lot and orchard. And also ye Square meadow, so called by Richards hom Lot;
also ten acres of land in ye field next to Stephen Hubbells,^ to be for her use During her Life
that is of ye Plow Land.
I Having Already Settled my Eldest Son Peter Hubbell,f at Newtown, And Given him What I
then thought was a doubell part of my Estate, I Giving him a whole Right in sd Township. I
also Give him what I did for him in Seating him there, which may be sen on my book, page 18,
Which is forty one Pounds besides his Right in ye whole Township ; also I Gi?e him two thirds
of my Copper mine, a Littell below ye pine Swamp at ye Uper End of Stratfield Bounds, ye
other third thereof, I have sould to Richard Whitne — morover 1 Give him five Pounds, to be
paid by my Excutr or Executs to him and His heirs forever ; also my Great Looking Glace.
Having Already given my son Ebenezerj: ye house and lands he now Lives on, do also Give him
About fifteen acres of Land, be it mor or Less, at A place cald Clabom Hill, In Stratford bounds
Joyning to ye Highway, which he now Injoys ; Also I Give him ye first half mile of my Long
Lot Above Round Hill, in Cracros neack, this to be his portion of Land, To be to his heirs for-
ever, besides his trade, for which he served seven yers to a shoemaker & taner.
I having already Given my son Jonathan^ a whole Right at Newtown and a pair of oxen, a Cow
and many other things, to seat him up there ; moreover I Give him £5 pounds, to be paid by
my Extrss, to be his wholl.
I Having by deed of Gift Given my son Zachariah Hubbell,|| llie House, bame and hom Lot
that was my Honoured Fathers And 6} acres of Land in ye feeld. And paid £112 to mr Pack, of
newtown, for his house, barne and hom Lot. Zachariah bought at Stratford of sd Pack and paid
for him £35 to Magor Burr, and I do Morover Give him ye one halfe of my new dweling Hous
and Bam, To be his at my deses, and ye other half, I having, with the use of my Home Lot and
Orchard, Given my wife, which at hir deoeas to be his ; and Morover I give him my Land and
fresh meadow Cald ye Larg medow, down in ye field as you go to Black rock, so cald, taking in
all ye plow land, fVom Stephen Hubbells Land to ye South End of ye bars At ye fir End of ye
Long meadow and so to run acres to Lands to ye Crook of ye Ditch between my Land and Saml
Golds meadow, where it runs Down to ye main Crick ; Also I Give him my Land and meadow in
Jacksons neack, so called, ther being about 5 acres of Land And two of Salt meadow Acyoyning
to sd Land ; Also I give him ye one half of my Division of Land at ye front of ye Long Lot for
fier wood. The other half to be my son Richards. Also I Give him my Lott And Bam at Sport
Hill, from Joseph Hubbells Land at ye barn up to the Land I sould to Capt. Saml Sherwood, Desest.
Also I Give him ye one halfe of my Comonage, and also my Silver headed cane, and to his Son
Phineas Hubbell ye Last halfe mile of my Long Lot next ye Reaver ; it is to be remembered my
wife is to have ye use of 10 acres of Land in ye land next Stephen Hubbell during hir Life. It,
the sd Land this to be his wholl portion, to be to him and his heirs forever.
To My Son Richard^ I give besides what I have Given him and dun for him to say, I give him
ye Squair medow by his, when my wife Leaves it and also ye pastar over against his House,
* Son of Samuel Hubbell, Senior.
t Lived in Mewtown, Connecticut, Died 1780.
X Lived in what is now called Easton, Connecticut. Died 1761.
{ Lived in Newtown, Connecticut. Died 1766.
I Lived in ''Stratfield Parish," Connecticut
\ Lived in " Stratfield Parish" Town of Fairfield, Conn., was Deacon of " First Congregational Church,"
led 1797, aged 98.
34 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
being 12} acres; And SeTen acres of Land in ye field Joining to Sargnt Odells medow. Also
all my Land beyond that, I gaye to Zachanah beyond ye Long Meadow bars bounded on ye
Ileighway and pasturage Land and Salt meadow, being in quantity about twenty acres, mor or
Less, also ye other half of ye front of my Long Lot for fier wood, and also ye other half of my
Comons with all ye Remainder of my Long Lot not before disposed of — Except what I shall have
nesesety to sell for my Liveliwood during Life, and all ye remainder of my Estate reall
personall. To him and His heirs forevar after Just debts and Legacies are Paid.
8 . Having Already Annuated and Seatled my son Eleazer* in Reall & Personall Estate, to ye value
of fouer Hundred and fifty Pounds. By Deeds of Gift and otherwise moroyer, I give him
fifty pounds to be paid by my Exectrs hereafter named or ye second halfe mile of my Long Lot
Above Round Hill in Creesos Neack, so cald to be to him and his heirs forever.
9. As to my Son Nathanielf Having brought him up at ye Colege, J wherby he is Capabell of a Sof-
ficent maintainance and is well seatled. In ye ministry in ye GarseyJ and Having Given him
many other Gifts In addition whereunto I Give him twenty Pounds to be paid by my Extra to
be his wholl.
10. 1 Give unto my Daughter Elizabeth, in Addition to what she has already had, ye sum of ten
Pounds to be paid hir by my Extrs.
11. I give to my daughter Margary in addition to what she has alredy had ye sum of ten pounds,
to be paid by my Extrs.
12. I give to my daughter Abigail in addition to what she has alredy had ye sum of five pounds,
to be paid by my Extrs.
I do hereby make, ordain and apoynt my well beloved sons, Richard and Zachariah, to be my
Soull Executors, of this my Last Will and Testament.
In .witness to all ye Above Articles and parts, I have hereunto Seat my
hand and Seall, this 12th day of November, 1734.
Richard Hcbbell, [SeaL]^
Signed and seld in the presence of us. This 5th day of May, 1735.
Israel Ciiavncey,
William Honsi>ox,
Robert Cuauncey."
'* At a Court of Probate, held in Fairfield, Augutt ye 8th, 1 738, William Hodsdon and Robert
Chauncey, Witnessss to ye foregoing will, personally Appearing made Solemn Oath, that they Saw
Richard Hubbell Signer and Sealer to ye foregoing will, Sign and Seal ye Same, and heard him
Declare it to be his Last Will and Testament, yt they judged him at ye same time to be of sound
mind and memory, and yt they Set to their hands as Witnesses to ye same in ye presence of ye
Testator, & Also, yt they saw Israel Chauncey, one of ye witnesses to ye sd will Sign as a witness at
ye same time ; At Probate Court, Richard Hubbell & Zachariah Hubbell, above named Extors, per-
sonally Appearing, Accepted ye trust Committed to them by ye Testator.
Ebenczar Hubbell, one ye sons of ye sd Testator Appeared and pleaded yt said Will ought
not to be Approved, Probate Court having heard ye pleas of ye parties & Considered ye same do
Judge yt ye said will shall be Set aside and made void, and it is hereby set aside and made void.
Zachariah Hubbell is admitted on Appeal from ye Judgment of sd Court to a Superior Court, to be
holden in Fairfield, on ye Last Tuesday Save one of Instant August, and ye sd Zachariah Hubbell
acknowledged himselfe bound to ye publick Treasurer of ye County of Fairfield, in a recognizance of
• DiiKl. 1770, In New Fairfield, Conn,
t Died 17G0 in Hunterdon, Co. N. J.
X Yale College, graduated in 1723.
I New Jersey.
f Copied by the Author fh)m the original Will, now on file in the " Probate. Court in Fairfield," Fairfield
fMunty, Connecticut
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
35
ten pounds money, yt he will prove unto his Appeal at ye sd Superior Court to Eflfect and answer all
Damage in case he make not his plea good. Acknowledged before sd Court.
Test, William Burr, Clerk.
Fairfield Supr Court Aug. 17tS8, This Writing on this sheet of Paper proved and Approved &
Ordered to be transmitted to ye Clerk of ye Court of Probate in Fairfield in his office, to be Recor-
ded.
Test, . D. Edwards, Qerk."*
" An Inventory of ye Estate of Lieut. Richard Hubbell, Late of Stratfield, Deceased, taken
by oa, the subbcribers, hereunto being under oath as the Law Directs :
one Caster hatt, 16s. ; One Grate Coat, £3 10s., ......
one broad cloath seute, £3 ; one dewroysCoat, £1 10s., ....
one Cotten vest, 10s. ; one old druggit Coat, £1 15s., . ,
one drugit vest, £1 10s. ; one old cost and vest, 15s., . .^ . .
one pair briches, lOs. ; one pair of lather briches, with plate buttons, £8 2s.,
one Linning vest and two pair of Linning briches, ....
one pair of thred Stockings, 6s. ; one pair of yarn stockings, 7s.,
four pair of old stocks, 10s. ; one pair of shoes, 6s., .
three linning shurts, £3; one pair of rollers, 2s., ... *
Seven large Silver buttons, £1 7s. ; fifteen Smauler silver buttons, £1 148.
one gun and sord, £5 : sundre old books, 128.,
one feather bed, bolster, and two pillows in ye pallor, £6,
one old bedstid and cord and underbed in ye pallor, 16s.,
one Set oi old Curtins in the pallor, £1 15s.,
one blew bed quilt, £3 5s. ; one chekard Coverlid. £1 10s ,
the two best bed blankits, £1 8s. ; two old dittos, Ss., .
one feather bed and two old bolsters in ye East Chamber,
one old bedstid Cord and under bed in ye East Chamber,
one pair of old lining Curtins, £1 10s.,
one old bed quilt, 6.s.,
one dark birdsey Coverlid, £1 123. ; one ditto, part checkard, £1 10s.,
one yellow birdsey ditto, £1 ; one ditto, streked, £1 ; one ditto, white, £1,
one old Chekard ditto, 58. ; one old ditto, strecked, 3s., .
one feather bed, bolster, and three pillos in ye porch Chamber,
one bedsted and Cord and mat in ye porch Chamber, 10s., .
four pounde of feathers and ye bag, ICs. , two old bulster cases, 3s.,
nine pillo cases, £1 7s. ; two old ditto, 2s. Gd.,
six good sheets, £7 lOs. ; eight ditto, £7 10s.,
fonr old ditto, £1 2s
Seven diapur napkins, £1 15s. ; one ditto table, Cloath
four table Cloaths, lOs; one towels, 2s. 6d., .
three muslin bands, Ss.,
one silver Cup, £1, 18s. ; one large Silver spoon, £2, 5s., .
five silver spoons, lOs. ; money scails and waits and case, 58.,
one Silver tankard, £55 ; one larg old bras kittel, £6, .
one smauler bras kittel, £4 lOs.,
one bras pan, 8s., .........
10s.,
£.
«.
d.
4
6
0
4
10
0
2
5
0
2
5
0
8
12
0
1
3
0
0
18
0
0
16
0
3
2
0
3
1
0
5
12
0
6
0
0
0
16
0
1
15
0
4
15
0
1
16
0
4
5
0
0
10
0
1
10
0
0
6
0
3
2
0
3
0
0
0
8
0
6
0
0
0
15
0
0
19
0
1
9
6
16
0
0
1
2
0
2
5
0
0
12
6
0
8
6
4
5
0
10
5
0
61
0
0
4
10
0
0
8
0
• Copied by the Authorfrom the original Will, now on file in the " Probate Court at Fairfield," Fairflekl
County, Connecticut.
36 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY,
*
one brass sohimmar, 5s.y 060
one old coper schillet and flrame, Gs., 060
one old warming pan, 12s. ; one bras cok, Is., , 0 13 0
one pair of Large Stiljards, £1 lOs., 1 10 0
one pair of smaul dittos, lOs 0 10 0
one larg old Iron pot, lOs. ; one old ditto, lOs., 10 0
one snuiuler ditto, lis. ; one old iron kittle, 2s., 14 0
one hous bell, 48 , 0 4 0
one Iron skillet, 5s. ; one pair of hand Irons, £1 s., . . . , . . . 1 10 0
two old frying pans, 8s ; one trammill, 15s., 18 0
one peel, 12s. ; one small peel, 2s. ; one Iron hook, Is, 6d., 0 15 6
one belmettle morter, 10s. ; two bras candlesticks, lOs,, . , , .10 0
one Iron Candlestick, Is. ; two peuter salt Sellars, 3s., , 0 4 0
one puter Candlestick, 4s. 5d. ; one large puter platter, £2 128 2 16 6
one Smauler puter platter, £1 10s. ; three puter ditto, £8 15b., 5 5 0
two puter platter, £2 ; one smauler ditto, 12s., . 2 12 0
one larg puter bason, 12s. ; three old ditto, 128., 12 0
two puter porringers, 6s. ; one quart pot, 6s., 0 12 0
one pint, 5s. ; one gil cup. Is. ; tweWe puter plates, 8£ ; fire old ditto, 16b., . .420
three pounds of old puter, 9s. ; one tin pan, 2s. ; one old water pot, 58., . . . 0 16 0
three pounds of old puter, 9s. ; one tin pan, Is. ; one old water pot, 58., . . . 0 16 0
one tin cullender, 3s. ; one tin tunnil. Is. ; one peppar box, 6d., 0 4 0
one chamber pot, 8s.; one old ditto, 8s. 6d. * one chum, 5s., 0 16 0
Sundre wooden trays and dishes, IDs. 6d. ; two old pails with iron bails, Ss., . . . 0 13 &
three old pails, 5s. ; one old can, Is. 6d. ; one reel, 28., 0 8 6
one half bushel, 2s. 6d. ; one old ditto and peks, 6s. 6d. ; 0 9 0
one Chist of draws, £2; one red Chist, 18s. ; one old ditto, 2s., 8 0 0
one old table, 2s. ; one black trunk, 88. ; one old table frame, 2s., . . . . 0 12 0
one old box, 2s. ; one smaul table, 18s. ; one Stan, 2s., 12 0
one old square table, IDs. ; one old long table, 4s., 0 14 O
one Joynt stool, 28., 020
two grate chairs, 10s. ; one old ditto, Is. ; five black chairs, £1 58., . . . . 1 16 0
one broken ditto. Is. ; six plain chairs, £1 4s. ; fiye old chairs, lOs., . . . . 1 .15 0
one hechchil, £1 68. ; two pair of sheep shears, 6s., 1 12 0
one gridiron, 5s. ; one box iron and heaters, 48., . , 0 9 0
one wine pint pot, 58. ; one duch wheel, £1 IDs., . . . . . . . . 1 15 0
one old wheel and spindle, 3s., 080
one old saddle, 8s. ; one old side sadle, £1 ; one bridle, 38., 1 11 0
one old linning wheel, f s. ; one wooden tunnil, 2s. 6d., 0 7 6
Sundre old Casks, 48. ; one old butter tub and pail, 3s., 0 7 0
two old hogsids in ye sellar, Gs. , one beer cask, 3s. ; one old baril, 8b., . . . 0 12 0
one old bottle Case, 8s. ; one washin tub, 4s., 0 7 0
one Seder tub, 2s. ; one butter tub, 38. ; two meet CaskSjGs., 0 11 0
one fat tub, 3s. ; one melasis Cag, 38. ; Sundre old dry Casks in ye Chamber, lOs., . 0 16 0
one old meel trof, 2s. ; one pair of old hors geers, 128., 0 14 0
one old cart and wheels and geers and bands and two outside boxis, . . . . • 3 10 0
Yoak Irons, 5s. ; one Naro ax, 5s. ; two betle rings, 2s. 6d., 0 12 6
one heel ring and neb, 28. ; four hooks to make ropes, 88., 0 10 0
one old Cow bell, 2s. ; two eyes for bam doors, 2s., 0 4 0
one old augur and gong, 28. 6d. ; two gimblits. Is., 0 8 6
one crobar, 13b. ; one pump handle, 16s., 190
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 37
one spit, Ss. ; two old chairs, £1 4s. ; twenty-two pounds of old iron, lOs. . . . 1 17 0
one stubbing ho, 2s. ; two old hoes, 2s. ; two glas bottles, 2s., 0 6 0
one squar bottle, Is. 6d. ; one long looking glas, £10, 10 1 6
one old smaul ditto, Is. 6d. ; one smaul cag, Ss., 0 4 6
sam broken pesis of leather for shoes, 9s. 0 9 0
two com baskits, 5s, 0 5 0
one old joynter and plain andirons, 2s. ; one hammur, 28. 6d., 0 4 6
three alls, 2s. ; one old ridle. Is. ; one splint sive, 28., 0 5 0
one powder horn. Is. 6d. ; one old pilyan, 58., 0 6 6
ScTenteen pounds of Sheeps wool, £8 4s. , one larg baskit, 3s., 3 7 0
Seyen bushil of Indian Corn, £2 58. ; six bushil and half of meslin, £8 lis., . . 5 16 0
one Shagor box. Is. ; one wooden morter and pessil, 5s 0 6 0
one old Clusston and pot, 5s. ; one sow and fiye pigs, £4 lOs. ; four hogs, £18 ; forty
sheep, at £26; one read ox, £14, . . 62 15 0
one four-year old heafer, with red ears, £9, 900
one four yeaivold heafer, with white rump and tail, big with calf, £9, . .900
one brown Cow, with a white &ce, 9 10 0
one black Cow, £9 10s., . . 9 10 0
one brown Cow with a Bobtail, £7 10s., 7 10 0
one grissel Oow, £8 lOs 8 10 0
one three year old heafer with speckled back, , . 5 15 0
one brown yearling heafer, £3 ; one red yearling heafer, £8, 6 0 0
one brown Calf, £1 17s.; one redish Calf, £1 18s., 8 10 0
one old black hers, £5 ; one brownish mair, £2 15s , 7 15 0
one pair of old tongs, 8s.; one pair of helloes, 6s., . . . . , . 0 14 0
one old herd ax, 5s.; one old hand saw, 2s.; one old drawing nife, 28, . .090
one Iron Colter, 12s; sum flax in ye bam, £1 15s.; one ft'ow, 4s., . . . 2 11 0
one dwelling hous, bam & three Acres & half of Land, 280 0 0
About five Acres of up Land in Jackson Neck, 65 0 0
two Acres of Salt medow in sd neck, 5000
about twenty four Acres of up Land & medow in ye field, lyeing South of Stephen Hub-
bell's Land, 880 0 0
the fbrst devition in ye Long lot att ye frunt of sd lot, 170 0 0
About twenty Acres of Land att Sjforthill by ye barn, 170 0 0
about twenty Acres of Land att Cablesfield, neer ye pasuage 270 0 0
About Seren Acres of Land in ye field by odell's medow, 112 0 0
About tweWe Acres & half of Land by Richards, on the west side of the heigh way, . 240 0 0
two Acres & half of fresh medow by Richards hum lot, 62 0 0
about fifteen Acres of Land at Cabordhill, in Stratford bounds, that is given Ebenezer by
yewillatt 120 0 0
about twenty nine Acres of Land in ye long lot lying part above & part be lo wUUam
Bennitts hum lot, . . 230 0 0
all ye Remainder of his Long lot above flat rock att, 393 0 0
all his Right in Cominage in Airfield, att 20 0 0
two Acres of Land in Stratford woods, neer pine Swamp, Called his Copper mine, .500
one smaul rick fork, 020
£2845, 7, 0.
The above work done and compleated October ye 12th, 1738, by us, the Subscribers heemnto,
Joseph Booth, 1
Ephbaim Hubbell. [-Apriesers.
David Sherman, J
38 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
At a Court of Probate held In Fairfield, Nov. ye 3()th, 1738, Zachariah Hubbell & Richard
Hubbell, Executors to ye last will and Testament of Richard Hubbell, late of Stratfield, Deed, Ex-
hibited ye foregoing Inventory, and made solemn Oath yt ye same is a true and perfect Inventory of
all ye Estate of sd Deed yt they know of, and if any more hereafter appear, yt they will cause ye
same to be Inserted, sd Inventory being proved is by sd Court Approved and Ordered to be Recorded.
Test, William BrRR, Qerk."*
SAMUEL HUBBELL, Senior,t of Stratfield Fairfield Co,, Colony of
Connecticutt, son of Richard Hubbell and Elizabeth Meigs, was bom in Guil-
ford, Conn., on November 6, 1657. ^^ spent his early childhood in
Guilford, Moved to Fairfield, with his parents when about five years of
age, and resided there until his death. Was a prominent man in the
village, kept a store, was a Lieutenant, and filled the offices of "Society
Clerk" and "Recorder of Deeds" for the Parish of Stratfield, from 1694
until his death in 171 3. (For additional particulars concerning him, see
abstracts from "Colonial Records of Connecticut" in Appendix to this
work,)
*< Stratfield, June 10th, 1714. An Inventory of the Estate of Lnt. Samll Hubbell, deceased ap-
pised under oath who are ye subscribers hereof.
£. 9, d,
to wearing apparell one worsted Camblet coat, 02 00 00
to a broad cloth coat 408. ; Searge 10s., 02 10 00
to a loose coat 6s.; A deffels coat 15s.; Serge vest 20s., 02 01 00
to A holland vest 5s.; old Serge vest 3s.; flannell vest 2s., 00 10 00
to leather briches 8s.; Serge briches 10s.; drugget Ditto 2s., 01 00 00
to Striped linen briches 63.; Cherryderry briches 3s., 00 09 00
to checkered linen briches Is. 6d.; castor Is. 14d., 00 15 06
to old hat 4s.; galick shirt 8s.; to two ditto 10s., . . > . . . . 01 02 00
to two paire of worsted Stuckens 2s.: to two paire of homespun ditto 8s., . . 00 10 00
to A paire of Shoes 3s.; to one kentin neckcloth 3s., 00 06 00
to 3 muslen neckcloths Os.; to pocket handkerchiefs 4s. 6d., 00 13 06
to Buckaneer gun 40s.; to 1 gun 8 Square barrell 23s., 03 03 00
to 1 gun with A Cross Fencer 30s.; one Short gun 20s, 02 10 00
to one Case of pistols and holdters £3 14s., 03 14 00
to A Simmiter and belt 20s.; baggenet and belt 2s 01 02 00
to A two edged Rieper 128.; to a brass hilt rieper and belt lOs., . . 01 02 00
to A broken rieper Gs.; old back Sword 5s., 00 10 00
to 70tb. powder at 28.; pt. 7Ib. to 15Ib. Shot and bullets Gs 07 05 00
to 145R). of Ledd at 3d.; } per pound 40s 02 00 00
to 2 bullet pouches Is.; to A great bible 17s.; old psalm book Is., . . , . 00 19 00
to Mr. Allen conserning heart work 28.; Ditto upon the Covenant Is., . . 00 03 00
• Copied by the Author from the orlj^nal now on file in *' Probate Court, Fairfield, Fairfield County."
fWas called Samuel Hubbell, Senior, because his father had another son named Samuel by his
second wife.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 39
to three flavels works 38.; Pilgrims progress Is. 00
to the young mans guide 8d.; Mr. Williams Capptivity Is., .... 00
to A token for children Is.; to A preparation fbr ye Sacrement 8d., .... 00
to Mr. Mathers works Is.; to Lucanes book Is., 00
to spelling book 8d.; John Vemons works Is. 6d,, 00
to Secretarys guide Is.; boons Military book 8d., 00
to the life of Mr. Henry Gearing Is., 00
to paper money £38 58. 8d.; lo more in bills of debt £19 38. 9d., . . .52
to more in a bill £5; to Cash £03 6s. 9d.; to plate £8, 106
to 2 gold rings one at 12s.; the other at 13s., 01
to A puter tanker Ts.; eight halfe pinte pottingers 5s. 4d., 00
to 10 pinte pottingers 10s.; to 4 jills pottengers Is. 4d., 00
to three pint basons 3s.; four large plates 88.; to eight smaller 12s., . .01
to thirty pound of good puter at 2s. per pound, 03
to old puter £23 21s.; to wine quarts 4s.; to pinte pots 2s., 01
to one beer quart Is. 6d.: ^ pint pot 9d.; one jill pot 8d.; one beer Is., . .00
to pottingcr and A Salt Cellar Is.; two pepper boxes 8d., 00
to A tin tunnill 8d.; to A watering pot 6d.; to two chamber pots 3s., .... 00
to earthen ware 3s. lOd.; to chenny ware 98.; mustard pot Is., 00
to two Stone Juggs Is. 6d.; to one ditto 3s.; to earthen chamber pot Is., . . .00
to great brass kittle weight 86Ib. at 28. 6d. per tb.; £4 10s., 04
to one small ditto 181b. at 28. 6d.; per 21b. 5d.; one brass skillet 3s., -, . . .02
to old brass, thirty nine pound at Is.; per lb. 39s., 01
to one Iron Skellet 4s.; Small Iron pot and hooks 78., 00
to one Iron kittle 14s.; Large Iron pot and hooks 10s., 01
to brass Sealer 58.; warming pann 18s.; old ditto 2s., 01
to one large frying pann 68.; one Small ditto 4s., 00
to one driping 28.; to two Tramels 12s.; gridiron 3s., 00
to one Iron Lamp Is.; flesh fork 6d.; twopaire of tong 5s., 00
to A fire peel 29. 6d.; small Stillard 5s.; three candlesticks 2s., 00
to 2 water pails 2s.; one pot dish Is.; two butter tubbs 4s., 00
to 6 koolers 4s.; four trays 2s. 8d.; one doz. J trenchers Is. 6d., . .00
to old box Iron and heaters 2s.; two wooden bottles 3s., 00
to one bread tray 2s.; halfe bushtU 2s.; to seven meat Casks 10s. 6d., .00
to two bear cask 3s.; Brueing tubb 5s.; two wort keelers 5s., 00
to two hogshead 10s.; one terse 4s.; fatt tubb Is. 6d., 00
to chum 8s.; one Small Cask Is.; to old cask in the Chamber lis., ... 00
to old wenscot chest 4s. ; old chest 2s.; meet trofi^ Ss., 00
to one pine chest with A lock and key Vs.; small chest 88., 00
to feather bed and bolster of striped ticken of cotton £4 8s, , . .04
to 8 feather pillows 11 s., old straw bed, bed-stead and cord, Iron rodds, 7., .00
to wooeted and linen Curtains and tester cloth, 308 01
to 1 ftther bedand boulster 42Ibj^ wds at Is. pc'r pound, 02
to feather bed and boulster 72!b wds. £3 17p, two pillows lis 04
to one t)edstead and Cord in ye great chamber 8s , . . , ... 00
to Diaper Curtains and Tallence in the great chamber, 40s, , 02
to feather bed, boulster and two pillows, weighed 521bs}, 03
to one feather bed, striped ticken, 2 boulsters and pillow, weighed 421b}, . .02
to one chaff bed, 12s, to chaff ditto, 12s, bedstead and Cord, 6s, 01
to one feather bed, tow ticken, weighed 521b}, at Is. per pound, . .02
to two paire of fine tow sheets, 838. A paire, 3£ 6s., . . . , : 03
04
00
01
08
01
08
02
00
02
02
01
08
01
00
09
08
06
09
05
00
12
00
11
04
03
00
00
00
07
00
03
11
01
08
09
08
18
10
05
06
10
00
08
00
19
00
11
00
04
00
05
00
10
00
17
00
06
06
09
06
07
00
08
02
05
00
14
06
13
00
15
06
15
00
09
00
10
00
08
00
18
00
10
00
02
06
08
00
08
00
00
00
18
00
08
06
10
00
12
06
06
CO
40
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
to one paire of cotton sheets, 880, to three pure of tow sheets, 8£,
to one paire of new Linen sheets, 1£. is. do
to five paire, some worn, at 15s., per paire £2 15s., .
to five paire of old sheets at lOe. per paire, £2 lOs., . ,
to one paire of old sheets, at 4s., 2 paire of cotton pillow beers, 8s.,
to one paire ditto, 28 ; A paire, 2s, ; one paire linen ditto, 8s , .
fo one paire of holland sheets at 45s., • 1 > 1 »
to one paire of tow pillow beers, 88 ; to two pair of old Ditto, 4s.,
to one cotton table cloth, 88 ; to two table cloths, 18s,
to two old table cloths, 2s ; A piece one at 2s. 8d.,
to one ditto, 28 ; to two towels, 6s ; to one ditto, 2s. 8d ; to 10 napkins, lOs
to 12 napkins at 24s.; to 12 ditto at 2s 3d ; A piece 1£ 078.,
to one paire of holland pillow biers, 4s.; to one paire holland Ditto, 7s
to one paire Ditto, 5s.; Ditto with seem in, 5s ; one Ditto at Is,, .
to two old holland napkins, 2s.; one Diaper table Cloth, 4s.,
to 8 Diaper napkins, 8s.; to six Diaper napkins, at Is. 6.; A piece, 9s.
to two Diaper towels, 2s.; A piece to four old Towels, at 4s.,
to calico covering, 16s.; to one quilt, lOs.; to two blankets, 20s.,
to 4 ditto 408.; A couch, 5s; two blankets, 10s
to birds eye coverlid, 208.; A new blaek and white Ditto, 20s., .
to one blue rugg, 16s.; two yellow Coverlids, 208.; two old Coverlids, 6s.,
to one Ditto, 4s.; one Ditto lOs.; one ditto, at Bs.; one old blanket at 2s.,
to one old blanket, 28.; one old Coverled, 89., old table, 8s.,
to one Chest of drawers, SOs.; one pine Chest, 58; one trunk, 10*,
to one Small trunk, lOs.; old Chest, 88.; A round table, 68,
to 8 black chaires, Gs.; six white ditto, 12s.; six old Churcs, 68 .
to Linen wheels, 83.; two woolen wheels, 8s.; wool Cards, Is.,. .
to 7 new Sickels, 148.: one old ditto, Is.; to one Looking glass, 148., .
to one Cane, 68. ; wheat riddle, Is., cart rope, 68., ....
to one Redd mantle with A Silver Lace, 10s.,
to one flower silk blanket, 6s.; money scales and weights, 48.,
to A post mantle with a lock and key and male pillion, 11, .
to A last, 8d.; five linen tablecloths, 15s.; 2 furr skins, 2s.,
to 12 yards \ of fine Linen cloth, 37s. and 6d.; ^ve yards kertens, 15s.,
to 7 yards muslin, Sos.; six yards and three quarters stuff, 12s 6d., .
to 10 yards ditto & \, 20s. Gd.; 9 yards & ^ of Damask, 238. 9d.,
to 2 yards blew salleon, 4s.; two yds and quarter of Gause, 4s. 6d., .
to 8 yards and \ of ribbon, 178.: 8 yards Ditto, 128.: t;nro weomens fans, 88
to 12 dozn. of buttons, 12s.; 29 dozn. Ditto, at 8d. per dozn., 19s. 4d.,
to 21b. of steel, 2s.; one saddle and houseing, 208.; one Inch auger, 28.,
to one Latheing hammer, 2s; one small hammer. Is.; heading chisle, 2s.,
to one great gimblet, 8d.; small Ditto 4d.; broad Chissel, 2s.:
to one Sithe and tacklen, 68.; to one old Sithe, 2 ; old saddle, 8s.,
to Coopering tools, 23s.; hand saw, 6s.; drawing knife, 5s.,
to ghsiers tools, £6 16s. 8d.; to glass and ledd, £3 178.,
to A Jointer and four plains, Ss.; to A bill, 43.^. 2d., .
to 10000 of eight penny nailes, at 10s; per 10(K), £0,
to 19 thousand of Six penny nails at 7s.; per thoui<and £0 138., .
to one door lock 2s.; 3 desen of pipes 2s.; fish line and hooks 2s.;
to 5 barrels of porke at £3 10s. per barrell,
fo fV.) busjiels of Indian corn at 3s.; per bushell £10 7s
04 18 00
01 04 00
08 15 00
02 10 00
00 12 90
00 07 00
02 05 00
00 07 00
00 15 00
00 06 08
01 00 08
02 11 00
00 11 00
00 11 00
00 06 00
00 19 00
00 08 00
02 06 00
02 15 00
02 00 00
02 12 00
01 02 00
00 08 00
02 05 00
00 19 00
01 04 00
00 17 00
00 09 00
00 13 00
00 10 00
00 10 00
00 11 00
00 17 08
02 12 06
02 08 06
02 04 08
00 08 06
01 12 00
01 11 04
01 04 00
00 05 00
00 03 10
00 16 00
01 14 00
10 12 08
02 08 00
05 00 00
(H5 13 00
00 06 00
17 10 00
10 07 00
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY. 41
to eighty four pounds of Sheeps wool at Is. per pound, 04
to four hundred eighty six pound of flax at 6s.; per pound £12 Ss 12
to 81b. and \ of Coverled yam at Is. 4d.; lis. 4d., 00
to 121b. of Linen yam at 18d.; pr lb. 208.; to 171b of tow yam 2s. 8d., . .02
to A chafering dish 4s.; A Spit 4s.; 2 Iron wedges 4s. 8d.; Small pillow Is., 00
to old Iron 3s.; to one Shier and Coller 241b. weight 16s., 00
to 151b. pf new Iron 6s. 8d.; to 2 old axes and old plow shier 8s., . . .00
to A Small draught Chain lis.: great chaine 128.; Whipple tree chaine 2b., . 01
to one paire Iron horse geers leather Collar 10s.; meal Sive 2s. 6d., .00
to 8 pound of woolen yam at 28.; pr lb. 68.; one ax 5s., 00
to the halfe of an oldhetchell 8s., 00
to A horse plow with A Shier bolt 10s.; 1 plow Coller Is.; 2 rings 3s., . .00
to two yokes with Irons lOs.; 1 broad ax 10s.; Stubing Sithe 8s., . . . .01
to A cart and wheels boxes and bands 16s.: Cleviss & pins 38.; fork 2s., . . .01
to A new Shed ShoTell 3s.; old Shed ditto Is. 6d.; 2 old hoes 28., . . . .00
to one yoke of oxen £10 ; two four year old Stears £8 ; to three 8 year old £9, . 27
to 4 two year olds £8 ; to 4 year old £8 ; to 5 Cowes & 3 CaWes £19, ... 83
to 4 sheep at 68.; per Sheep £12 6s.: 20 Lamb £3 ; Sow & 7 Pigs 278., ... 16
to 7 Swine at lOs. a piece £3 10s.; 1 roan horse £3 ; 1 Sorrild horse £3, . . ' . 09
to A black mare & colt 408.; blase faced mare 308.; 1 12 yr old mare 30s., 05
to 1 year old 208.; to 1 Lanthorne 28. 6d.; 1 barrell of porke £3 lOs., . .04
to 2 barrels of beef at £4; to 20 pounds of hoggsfatt 69. 8d., 04
to 61b. of tallow 38.; 101b. of Candles 6s. 8d.; to 80 bushels of wheat £24, ... 24
to 12 acres of wheat att Sporthill at 8 bushels per acre £28 IBs., . .28
to 8 acres of wheat in ye neck at 5 bushell pr acre 15 bushells, 04
to 6 acres of Rye in ye field, at 10 bushells per acre, £12, 12
to 2 acres of barley, £3 , to 3 a<Tes of oats att home, £4, 07
to fiye acres of oats and flax over the river, at £3 6s., 03
to twelye acres of Indian come at home, £12, 12
to four bushels of barley mault, 16e.; four bushels of oat mault, 88., . .01
to boulied flower, £2 lOs.; to Cooper Stuff, 39s 04
to book debts, £66 ; to one blatd faced horse, 30s , sheep skins, 48., . . .67
to trundle bedstead, 4s.; old bedstead. Is.: bridle, 2s., 00
to six baggs, 128.; for meel, Is.; paire of old Iron fetters, 2a., 00
to five case knives, Ss.; to one Sithe cradle. Is.; to two Calves Skins, 2s., . .00
to dwelling house, £60 ; tobarae, £15, 75
to four acres a<J|joining to said house and barne, at £10 pr. acre, .40
to 16 acres more a<J|joining at £8 pr acre, * . . 120
to 2 acres by Capt. Sherwood, £16, 16
to 7 acres down in the field, at £35 lOs., 35
to one acre and } of salt meadow adjoining, £15, 15
to S acres and } of upland in Jacksons neck, £10 10s., 10
to 2 acres of salt meadow in Said neck, £24, 14
to dwelling house, part covered, over the river, £42 42
to 47 acres over the river, pasture and building lot, £235, 235
to tbe equal halfe of the Long lott that was his fathers, 100
to the remains of his fathers estate in his widows hands yet undivided, in lands, 54
to the halfe of the bam in Cracrow neck, £10, 10
to the 6th part of his Fathers perpetuall Commonage, 05
to A nine acre right in commonage in Stratfurd bounds, 06
to 40 acres of land att ox hill, £40 ; in Stratford bounds, 40
04
00
08
00
11
04
02
08
12
08
19
00
14
03
05
00
12
06
11
00
03
00
14
00
03
00
01
00
06
06
00
00
00
0
13
0
10
0
00
00
12
6
06
8
09
8
16
0
10
0
00
0
00
0
06
0
00
0
04
0
09
0
14
0
07
0
14
0
06
0
00
0
00
0
00
00
00
0
10
0
00
0
10
0
00
0
00
0
00
0
00
0
05
0
00
0
00
0
00
0
00
0
42 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
to 55 acres of Land att Tatacok's plainer, in Stratford bounds 30 00 0
to twelTe acres on taahua hill, £24 : in Stratford bounds 24 00 0
addition to a remnant of silk,
Sumioul £1644 01 Z
JoHX BrRB,
Jamk Bexxttt,
RiCHASD HUBBELL.
The ages of the children :
DanieU ,♦ 23 year old, August 8th. 1714.
Ephraim.f 20 year old. Goto. 11th. 1714.
Stephen. J 19 year old, February K>th, 1714.
DaTid,J 16. July the first 1714.
Tabitha, 14 year old, Decemb. 24th. 1714.
Joseph.'! 12 year old, October 29ih, 1714.
Mrs. Temperance Hubbell appeared before the Court of Probate, held in Fairfield, June 15th.
1714, and made oath that ye abore written is A true Inventory of the esute of her late deceased
Husband, Lieutenant Samuel Hubbell. to ye best of her knowledge, and if any thing shall after ap-
pear belonging to the estate. She will Cause the same to be Inserted.
An Inventory of ye Estate of Lent. Samuell Hubbell. of Stratfield, deed., being exhibited to ye
Court of Probate, held in Fairfield. June 15th. 1714, In order to A Settlement Said Inrentory being
proved, is by the Court approve<l. and orderel to be recorded."*"
** Mrs. Temperanee Hubbell and her son DanieU Hubbell Administered on the estate of Lent.
Samuell Hubbell. late of Stratfield. deceased, according to A former order, of haveing exhibited an
account of theire Administration to ye Court of Probate, held in Fairfield. June the 15th, 1714,
which account ye Court have computed with ye Inventory, do find that there is clear estate the sum
of £1533. 17s. Old., which ye Court do order shall be divided as followeth: The widow to hare one
third part of the houseing and Land during her naturell Life, and one third part of the movable
estate forever, there being five sons and one Daughter, the oldest son to have A double portion and
the rest of the Children to have e<)uall and Single portions and the rest of the said estate the sons to
receive their portions in Lands so fan* as the lands will hold out. and the daughter to reoeiTe her por-
tion in movoable estate, and the Court do desire and appoint Lent James Bennitt, Majr. John Burr
and Leut. Richard Hubbell, to distribute the said Estate according to ye above order of Court, and to
be under oath as the law directs. Ephraim Hubbell and Stephen Hubbell and Tabitha Hubbell. sons
and Daughter to ye said Samll Hubbell, deceased, do make choice of their mother, Temperance
Hubbell, to be their Guardian; the Court of Probate, held in F^rfield, June 15th, 1714, do accept
and approve of their Choice.
David Hubbell makes choice of his brother DanieU Hubbell and Joseph Hubbell, both sons to
the sd deed Samll Hubbell. sd Joseph being in his noneage for Choice of his Guardian ; the Court
do make choice of Said DanieU Hubbell to be guardian t^ ye said Joseph HubbeU.
• Lived in " Stratfield Parish," Fairfield, Connecticut Died, 1735.
t Lived ditto. Died, 1780, in Litchfield Co., Connecticut.
X Lived ditto. Died, 1792.
t Uved ditto. Died, 175:?.
I Lived ditto. Died, 1777(?)
^. Copied for this work by MiSK Hannah Hobart, of Fairfield, Connecticut, from ** Fairfield Probate
Records."
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMHY. 43
And the said Temperance and Daniell Hubbell, Guardians above named, do acknowledge them-
selyes Jointly and Severally and Respectfully bound to the Court for the recognizance of three hun-
dred pounds money for A taithfuU discharge of their Guardianship according to Law."^
EBENEZER HUBBELL, of New London, (New London Co.) Colony
of Connecticut, son of Richard Hubbell and Elizabeth Meigs, was born in
Guilford, Conn., in i66i ; Was raised in Fairfield Co. He bought the
homestead of Samson Houghton (comer of Truman and Bliman Streets)
New London, in 1 690-1, and died there in 1698.!
SAMUEL HUBBELL, Junior,t of Fairfield, Fairfield Co., Colony of
Connecticut, son of Richard Hubbell and his second wife, was born in Fair-
field, Fairfield Co., Colony of Connecticut. Was a member of the Con-
gregational Church, in Fairfield (not Stratfield.)
For further particulars see abstracts from "Colonial Records of Con-
necticut" in Appendix to this work.
JAMES HUBBELL, of Stratfield, Fairfield Co., Colony of Connecticut,
son of Richard Hubbell and his second wife, was born in Fairfield, Fairfield
Co., Colony of Connecticut, in 1673. He resided in Stratfield in early life,
and afterwards moved to Stratford, removing with his son Andrew to what
is now called Easton, Conn. (See abstracts from "Colonial Records of
Connecticut*' in Appendix to this work.) He died in October 1777, aged
104 years.§
The following deed to Benjamin Fayerweather is well worth reading.
''Know all men bj these presents that I, James Hubbell, of Stratfield, in ye County of Fair-
field & Colonj of Connect icot, in New England, for & in Consideration of exchange of other lands
with Beiy'a Fayerweather, of Stratfield aforesaid, according to an instumint and his hand and Seal
bearing evendate with these presints. The receipt whereof to my AiU content & satisfaction, I do
hereby acknowledge & thereof & of every part thereof, do hereby acquitt, exonerate & discharge the
Mud Beiy'a Fayerweather, his heirs, Exes, adms & assigns for ever. Have given, granted, bargaind,
told, assigned, setover & confirmed, & do by these presents, give, grante, bargaine, sell, assigne, set
• Ck>pied by Miss Hannah Hobart, of Fairfield, Connecticut, for this work, ft»om the " Fairfield Pro-
bate Court Records."
t Caulkin'8 " New London " p 338.
X Called Samuel Hubbell, Junior^ becauHc his father had another son of the name living at the time,
by his fint wife.
f From Bible records fHimished by Mr. Harvey Hubbell, of Long Hill, Fairfield Co., Conn., and Mrs.
Anne Maria Kellogg, of Troy, N. Y.
44 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAAHLY.
orer k confirme from me mj heirs, exes ft idms ft aasigiis for ever ; to saj fire Acres of land, be it
more or less lyeing, sitoAte ft being within the plantation of Stratfield sforesd, ft is boonded on je
South East with the highway, on the north east with je land of Mr. Charles Chauncej, on the North
west with land now in je possession of the widow Abigaile Ilabbell, South west with je land of
Bichd HubbeU ft the heirs of Ebenezer Hnbbell, late of Kew London, deceased ; to gether with all
je fencing thereto belonging, ft all other rights, priTiledges ft appartenances to the same in anj
wajes apperteining, as also twenty rod of fence there standing between ye sd Richd Hubbell ft je
heirs of Ebenexer Hubbell aforesaid, besides my other twenty rod of fence there standing between us
hareing made the whole fourty rod of fence myselfe. To have ft to hold all the abore bargained
premises ft the same to possess ft iiyoy frilly, freely, clearly ft absolutely to all intents ft purposes
as his or their own propper esstate and inheritance for ever without any lett, claime or molesstation
firom me, my heirs, Execr or admds, or any other person or persons by, fr^m or under or any of us
for CTCr ; affirming myself to be the true ft propper owner of all the abore bargained premises, ft in
my selfe good right ft law, frill authority to dispose there of — ^promissing ft hereby covenanting to
defend the same against other or former gifts, grants, bargaines, sailes, leases, mortgages, assignments
or any other incumbrance whateyer. In witness whereof I have hereunto sett my hand ft seal this
fourteenth day of Januaiy, one Thousand Seren hundred ft Six or Seven.
James Hubbell, [seal.]
Signed, Sealed ft Delivered in presence of us,
Mathew Sherwood,
JoH5 Hall.
James Hubbell above Subscriber personally appearing before me, the Subscriber hereof
acknowledged the same to be his free act ft deed in Stratfield, this 14th day of January, 170C-7.
Mathew Sherwood, Justice.
A true Coppey of the origenall Recorded by me this 14th day of Januaiy 1706-7.
Samll Hubbell, Recorder.'**
The following survey of land was made in 1735:
" Stratford, December 18th, A. D. 1735. Yn wee the subscribers hereunto Surveyed ft laid
out for James Hubbell a tract of Land of ye new three mile divition Laid ye same, west of ye half.
way river, so called. Begin att a whiteoak Pole, Stooes to itt, run theuce N. 2od W. 72 rods to a heap
of Stones, yn W 25d S 40 rods : said Stones in ye edg of a Swamp yn S. 9d E. 32 rods to a heap of
Stones jn a Streight Line to ye Place Begun att ; within all which Lines ft Bounds is Contained 13
acres ft 40 rods of Land, & is Siesed, Lying in ye Six mile Place at C acors of ye new three mile
divition ft no more, and is Bounded on all Points with Common Land, & is ye 123d Lot in ye draughu
done per us,
Joseph Booth, \
Theophilus Nickols, > proprietors, Comttee.''t
Joseph Judsox. j
JOSEPH HUBBELL, son of Richard Hubbell and Abigail Walker, (his
third wife,) was bom in Pequonnock, (afterwards called Stratfield), in 1689,
and died in 1700.
• Copied by the Author from " Land Records of Stratfield."
t Copied by the Author from the original in possession of Haney Hubbell, of Ix>ng Hill,, Connecticut.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 45
The following is the Inventory of his share of his father's estate, and
contains the names of the children of Richard Hubbell, the First, who were
living at the time (1702).
'* Received of Joseph Hubbeirs Estate, according to Inventory as follov^etb, In March 25, 1700.
£ 8. d.
His Part, in the Buildings, 8 14 1
His Part in the Commons, 0 16 0}
to ^ of the LoDg lot, ye widows 3rd taken out, 10 0 0
to 5 Acres of Land In Jacksons neck, . 12 10 0
to 1 Acres of medow In Jacksons neck, 16 0 0
to 4 Acresand } of Land In the homested, 31 0 0
to 1 Bedsted and a cart rope, 1 09 0
to a grindstone 16s.; to 1 fork, 28. 6d., 0 18 6
by Samll Hubbell. 0 14 3
£77 06 lOJ
A true Coppy according to distribution.
David Sherman, Guardian.
Mr Wakeman Appeared to ye next Court of Assizes in may next, and gives bond to ye value
of 5 pounds."*
On the back of the paper from which the above was copied can be seen
the following:
*< Joseph Hubbell, son to Sargt Richard Hubbell, being deceased, who died before he came to
Lawfhll age to Inherit his portion of his father's Estate, and it appearing to ye Cyurt that his part of
his Other's Estate amounts to ye sum of £77. 058. 10 Jd., which this Prerogative Court do ordersh all be
distributed to ye survivors according as ye law directs. In Equall proportions. Which survivors ye
Court do Understand to be ye Brothers and Sisters to ye sd Joseph, Deceased. Court held In fkir-
field, Jany 22, 1702.
Richard Hubbell, James Hubbell, Samuel Hubbell, Sr., Samuel Hubbell, Jr., John Hubbell,
Jr., Elixabeth Hull, wife of Samuel Hull, Mary Newton, wife of James Newton, Martha Wakeman,
wife of John Wakeman, Abigail French, wife of Samuel French and Sarah Stevens, wife of Josiah
Stevens.
JOHN H UBBELL, of Stratford, Fairfield County, Colony^of Connecticut,
son of Richard Hubbell and Abigail Walker, his third wife, was born in
Pequonnock (afterwards called Stratfield) in April, 1691.
He was but eight years old when his father died. Was brought up
by his mother and half brothers.
In 17 1 2 he received his share of his father's estate, as the following
record shows.
* Gopied by the Author from the original, in " Probate Court at Fairfield, Connecticut"
46 HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY.
"Rcc'd ye 17th March, 1712 by me John Hubbell of Stratfield, in ye County of Fairfield &
Colony of Connecticut, In New England, by Agreement of Saml Hubbell & Kich:ird Hubbell of ye sd
Place to say all my right & title & Interest & pretence in & to any Reversion Right, which did or
doth Belong unto me In any Part of my Father Richard Hubbell, Deed, his Estate or unto any part
of ye Widow, my Mother Hubbell third Part or Dowry. And I ye said John Hubbell do acknowledge
to have Rec'd my full Portion in Land, as I agreed with ye above Mentioned Saml & Richard Hub-
bell as may farther appear Pr an Instrument bearing Even date with these Presents under hand &
Seal : I say Rec'd in full of all Legacy whatever, respecting to my father Hubbell Estate, as witness
my hand & Seal ye Day & Date above.
JoHH Hubbell, [seal.]
Witnesses- i Timothy Wheeler,
' ( Daniel Hubbell.
A true Copy of ye Origll Recorded Pr
Daniel Burb, Register.*'*
His residence in Stratford was within the bounds of Stratfield Parish,
and was situated on what is now known as Park Avenue, (in Bridgeport,
Conn.) He died April 8, 1774, and was buried in the Stratfield Burj'ing
Ground, where rest his parents, his brother Joseph, and half brothers
Richard and Samuel, Senior, also his own wife and children.
RICHARD HUBBELL, of Stratford, Fairfield, County, Colony of Con-
necticut, son of Lieutenant John Hubbell and his wife Patience, was bom
January- 25, 1684, in Stratford. He was granted a Lieutenants commission by
Governor Talcot. in 1728; {sec fac-sipnile on opposite page) and afterwards
became Captain of a Colonial Company. For many years he lived on
the ^* White Hills," in Fairfield County, Was by trade a Hatter, Had a
large tract of land that the purchased from the Government,t and was a
successful Planter. His descendants are very numerous on the "White
Hills" at the present day (1880.) He died November 27, 1758, and is
buried in the old church yard at Huntington Centre, "White Hills," Fair-
field Co., Conn. His Will is interesting.
"In the Name of God Amen. I Richard Uubbell, of Stratford, in the County of (airfield,
being advanced in age, but through ye Goodness of God in a Competency of health and of Sound
Mind and Memory, think it l)edt at this time to make this My Last Will & testament, and first of all
I freely Give and bequeath My Soul into ye hands of God who Gave it, hoping that through ye
Merrits & Intersestion of Jesus Christ My ownly Saviour and Redeemer to find pardon and accep-
tance and a Glorious Ressurrection to Immortal felisaty & happiness, and my body to Return to the
Dust from whence it was taken, to be Desently Entard at ye discretion of My Executor here after
* Copit'<l by the Author from " Fairfield Probate Records."
t See Extracts from "Colonial Record of Connecticut'* in Appendix to this work.
i
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HISTORY OF THE HUBS ELL FAMILY. 47
Named y and as to what worldly Goods and £state, it hath pleased ye Lord to bless me with in this
world, I freely give and bequeth as foUowetb.
Imprimis. My will is that all My Just debts and funerall Expences shall first be paid out of My
moTeable Estate.
Itm. I freely Give unto My Loveing wife Abigail Hubboll, all My Moveable Estate (Except what I
shall here after dispose of) to be her own forever ; also I Give unto My sd Wife ye use & Im-
provement of My house not yet disposed of, and ye use of all My Lands during the time She Shall
Remain My widow. I also Give unto My sd wife full power to Sell any part of My Land during
her widow whood as afore sd if She Shall Stand in need for her Support & Comfort.
Itm. I freely Give and bequeath unto My Loveing Son John Hubbell, and unto his heirs and
assigns forever (after ye deoe — of my wife already Given) about twenty acres of Land near his
house bounding Southard on ye highway westward on my own Land & Nathan Booths Land,
Northeastly on Nathan Hubbells Land, & South Eastly on Beig'a. Coggeshells Land & Joneses or
Dunloss Land ; also one perch more My upper Lot on ye Plain Kunnipg fh)m ye button wood
Island, fifty-five Rods in Length on ye Plain and so up ye hill until it Comes to my Lot Called
Booths Lot.
Itm. I freely Give unto My Loving Son William Ilubbell, ye several parcels of Land here after
mentioned (and in ye form herein Expressed) My Lot Called ye Dutch Clover Lot, and also five
acres on ye plain Running fh)m the Hill to ye River, fgoyning to that I have Given to my Son
John and also ye Lot Called Booths Lot and also ye paster Called ye hogg paster, ye two Last
mentioned partly Joyn on Caleb Whites Land and Nathan Hubbells Land and is to be fitly five
Rods in bredth, and also ye old Room of my house and two acrerof orchard ^joyningto sd house
and along by ye Lane that Leads to Nathan Booths, and he to have it after ye use to my wife is
Ended, and on these Conditions that if my sd Son William liubbcU shall Marry and have heirs
or one heir of his body Lawfully begotten, then ye sd Land Mentioned to be Given to him shall
be an Estate in fee to him and to his heirs for Ever ; but if My sd Son William shall dye with-
out such heir or heirs as afore sd, then I Give ye sd Lands as foUoweth viz. To my Son John
Hubbell & his heirs for Ever halfe ye sd five acres in ye plain Given to my Son William, and
also ye Lot Called Booths Lot & ye paster Called ye hogg paster and ye Lot Called ye Dutch
Clover Lot, and to My son Nathan and to his heirs for Ever, one halfe of ye sd five acres on ye
plain, and also ye sd old house and ye afore sd two orchard Given to sd William.
Itm. I Give and bequeath unto my Loveing Son Nathan Hubbell, and unto his heirs for Ever after
ye dccse of My sd wife the Lower Lot on ye plain and also ye Remainder part of My whome-
stead, also three acres adjoyning South on Nathan Booths Land, and West on my own, North on
ye Land Given to William, East on his sd Nathans own Land.
Itm. I freely Give to my four daughters, Mary Shelton, Abigail Hurd, Mehitabel Curtiss and Han-
nah Smith to Each of them, five pounds a peace to be paid by My Executor.
Itm. I freely Give to my Grandson Richard Hubbell, my Gun, the five pound Given to Each of my
daughters in old Tenner, and I do hereby appoint and Constitute my sd Son John Hubbell, to be
Sole Executor of this my Last will & testament hereby making, nul & void, all other and fomer
wills by Me here to fore Made Ratifieing & Confirming, this to be My Last will & testament, in
witness whereof, I have here unto set My hand & Seal, this third day of December, A. D. 1751.
Signed, Seald, published and declared by Capt. Richard Hubbell, ye date & day above, to be
his Last will & testament in presence of us.
}Saml Suelton, 1 it is to be Noted that I Give ye Land yt is Left open yt Leads to
MoLBT Jordan, \ Nathan Booths, to my two sons, John and Nathan, Equally between
Saml Adams. J them and their heirs for Ever.
Richard Hubbbll, [seal.]
48 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY,
"Stratford, december the 22iid day, 1758, then personallj appeared Messrs. Saml Adams
Saml Shelton & Moley Jordan the witnesses to ye foregoing will and Made Sollom oath that they
See Capt. Richard Hubbell, (now decesed) Sign and Seal ye foregoing will, and heard him declare ye
Same, to be his Last will & testament ; And that they all signd as witnesses to ye sd will at ye same
time, & that they see Each other Sign, and that they all Signed in ye presence of the testator, and
that they Judged ye testator to be of a Sound desposing Mind.
Sworn before me.
IcHABOD Lewis,
Justice of peace.*'
*< At a Court of Probate held in Fairfield, Jan. 2nd, 1759, Personally appeared John Hubbell,
named Exeer to ye foregoing Will, accepted ye Trust committed to him by ye Testator, and at ye
same time Ehibited sd Will to sd Court for Probation, which being proved, is by sd Court approved
& ordered to be recorded.
Test."*
JOSIAH HUBBELL of Stratfield, Fairfield County, Colony of Con-
necticut, son of Lieutenant John Hubbell and his wife Patience, was bom in
Stratford, in i688, and died in 1752.
His Will was recorded September I, 1752, and is as follows:
" In the Name of Ood, amen. I, Josiah llubbell, of Stratfield, in fairfield County & Connecti*
cut Colony, Being in a Low State of Bodily health. But of Sound Mind & Memory, doe make & or-
dain this my Last Will & Testament. First & Caeifly I Comt my Soul To God in Jesus Christ, my
Body I Bequeath To the dust To Be desently Bnr^'ed, att ye discretion of My Christian friends ; my
Worldly Goods, afifter my Just debts are Payed and funerall Charges descharged, I Give & Bequeath
them in maner following :
Item. To my Beloved wife Martha I Give & Beqeath one third Part of all my moveable Estate, and
the Improvement of one third Part of all my Real Estate during her Naturall life.
Item. To iny daughter, Elizabeth Willcoxcen, I Give & Bequeath thirty shillings, old Tenor money,
which with what I have allready Given her makes ye whole of her Portion.
Item. To my daughter, Hannah Brindsmade, I Give & Bequeath thirty Shillings, old Tenor money,
which with what I have allready Give her, makes ye whole of her Portion.
Item. To my Eldist Son, Samuel Hubbell, & To his heirs & assigns forever, I Give & Bequeath that
Part of my home Lots that Lyeth in ye Reare of his home Lot Between his home lot and Joseph
Wells Lot, to Run from ye Southeast Comer of his homelot a Streight Line with his East Line of
fence til it mete with Joseph Wells fenced Lot, which Tract will Be Bounded north with his
home Lot and South with sd Wells Land. Also I Give him Six acres of Land Joyning To the
North Side of his Land att the Point So called. Bounded South with his owne Land, north with
my Lands. Allso one fourth Part of my Lands att Rockey hill to him & his heirs & assigns in
fee, which with what I have allready Given him makes the whole of his Portion.
Item. To my Son, Ebenezer Hubbell, I Give & Bequeath one fourth Part of my Land Att Rockey
hill and two acres of Land att ye North End of my Pasture to him & his heirs & assigns forever
in fee. Which with what I have allready Given him makes the whole of his Portion.
• Copied by the Author fh>m the original Will on file in " Probate Court, Fairfield, Conn.^
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY. 49
lUm. To my Son, John Habbell, I Give & Bequeath ye one half of my dwelling house & Barne &
ye one half of all ye rest of my Lands Not above Given To him & his heirs & assigns forever in
fee.
Item. To my son, Josiah Hubbell, I Give & Bequeath the other halfe of my dwelling house & Barne
& the other Equall halfe of all ye rest of my Lands not Given to Samuel & Eben^zer that is
Left as much as is above Given to John. To him^ that is To Josiah & his heirs and assigns for-
ever in fee.
Item. To my daughter, Martha Hubbell, I Give & Bequeath five hundred Pounds, old Tenor money,
To be Paid out of my Moveable Estate as flu* as that will doe it, the Remainder of the five hun-
dred Pounds if any Be wanting of ye moveable Estate my Will is It Shall Be Paid To Martha
By my four Sons, in Equall Shares ; & further it is my will that my four Sons shall each of
them Give my Wife three Loads of wood yearly So longe as she lives. My will, and I do hereby
Constitute my Son Samuel Hubbell and my Wife Martha To be Executors of this my last Will h,
Testament, Declaring this and this only To be my Last Will & Testament, & To Confirme ye Same
I have hereunto set my hand & Seal this 12th day of July, A. D. 1752,
J08IAH Hubbell. [seal.]
Signed, Sealed, pronounced & declared To Be ye Last will of ye Testator in Presence of us.
Theosis Nichols,
William Pattebson,
AaUK TOMLINSON, "
<'Siratfield, Aug. ye 18th, A, D. 1752. Theosis Nichols, one of ye Witnesses To ye Within
Written Will made Oaihe that he saw ye Testator To ye Within Written Will signe and Seale ye same,
& heard him Pronounce & declare ye same To be his Last will & Testament, & that he Set to his hand
as a Witness in ye Presence of ye Testator, & he then Judged him to Be of Sound Mind & memory.
Swome Before me, Edmund Lewis,
Justice of Peace."
" Stratfield, Aug ye 18th, A. D., 1752. The Witnesses, William Patterson & Agur Tomlinson,
Two of ye Witnesses of ye Within Will, made Oathe that they saw ye Testotor To ye Within Will
Signe h. Seal ye Same, & heard him Pronounce ye Same to Be his Last Will & Testament, & that they
Set to their hands as Witnesses in ye Presence of ye Testator, and they then Judgid him to Be of
Sound Mind & Memory.
Swome Before me, Theosis Nichols,
Justice of Peace.**
*< AU a Court of Probate held in Fairfield, Septem 1st Day A. D., 1752, the Samuel Hubbell and
Martha Hubbell, named Ezctrs to ye foregoing Will, Accepted ye trust Committed to them by ye Tes-
tator at Said Court, sd will was by Said Samuel Hubbell Exhibited in Order for probation, & ye same
being proved is by Said Court Approved And Ordered to be Recorded.
Test, David Buee, aerk.***
PETER HUBBELL, of Newtown, Fairfield County, Colony of Con-
necticut, son of Lieutenant Richard Hubbell and Rebecca Morehouse, was
bom August loth, 1686, in Fairfield, Fairfield County, Colony of Con-
necticut
• Copied by the Author fh>m the original Will on file in " Probate Court at Fairfield, Connecticut."
50 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
Having been given a large tract of land in Ne^itown by his father,
he settled there in 1709, kept the first Hotel and was granted the first Ferr>'.
Was a prominent man in the town, as is shown by the following extracts
from the Town Records.
(Also see extracts from " Colonial Records of Coijnecticut," in Ap-
pendix to this work.)
He died in 1780. As his Will, Inventory, and the Distribution of his
Estate are very interesting, they are given in full.
*' December ye 0th, 1712, mtt m Uwfull Towne meeting of the In habitance of neirtowne, held
at newtowne. Voted for James Hard and Peter Hubbell to be surveyors of high ways for the yeare
In sueing. Voted for Abraham Kimberley and Peter Hubbell to be Listers for the yeare In sueing.
Vote^l for Abraham Kimberly and Peter Hubbell to be Colectors for the yeare Insueing. Voted that
Stephen Parmelee shall hare the use of an acre and an halfe of land, which is the burying place,
provided he cleared the bushes and fences it and grows it with English grass seed. Voted that
Nathaniel Parmalee is to beet the drum for the yeare Insueing. Voted for Peter Hubbell to be sealer
of incisures and waits for the yeare Ensueing. Voted for the said Peter Hubbell to Keep a house of
Entertainment for the yeare Ensueing."*
•• Att a Lawfull Town Meetting of ye Inhabitants of New Town, htM September ye 30th, 1726.
The Inhabitants afore sd of and by their Vote made Choice of and <lid appoint Sergt. Peter Hubbell
to be their Agent in ye towns behalf to prefer their petition to The Honrbl Generall assembly to be
lIoMcu alt New Haven, October ye 14th, 172 '). To Eatreat ye favour of ye Honourable assembly as
to what is refard to in ye Petition."!
•* A ferry from Newtown to Woodbury was granted to Peter Hubbell, at Pootatuck, May 13th,
17'jO This was about an eighth of a mile below Fort Hill, which is located on the west side of
the Housatonic, directly opposite the Indian village of Pootatuck, on the east side of that river.
At these two points, within gunshot of the river, the Indians had forts to protect themselves against
the .Mohawks, and after the introduction of firearms among the natives, a fleet of Mohawk canoes
on the river would afford a capital mark for the practice of gunnery. The ferry was at the north
end of Cockshure's Island, previously to this owned by the sachem of that name, but since Icnowu
as Hubbell's Island, from the ferryman above mentioned." J (See "State Papers," Travel, Vol. I,
page 174).
^'In the Name of God Amen. I Peter Hubbell, of Newtown, Fairfield County, Connecticut,
being weak in body, but sound in Mind and memory, my God be praised, do this first Day of May,
A. D. 1770, make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner following that is to say.
Imprimis. I commend my soul into the hands of God who gave it, my body to the earth in hope of
a joyful resurrection through Jesus; And as for the Estate wherewith my God hath blessed me, I
dispose thereof as follows, viz. First. I give ten pounds lawful money to the first or Pie8l>eterian
Church in Newtown, to be disposed of for the use and behoof of said church forever, as the major
part thereof shall see fit. Item. I give to my well beloved wife Sarah, the free use and improve-
ment of one third part of my real estate during her widowhood, or so long as she remains my widow
♦ Copied by the Author from " Newtown liecurds."
t Copied by the Author from " Newtown KecordH."
X Bee "Cothren'fl Ancient Woodbury," p. 160, also Extracts from •• Colonial Records of Connecticut," in
Appendix to this work.
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL hAMILY. 51
as the Law provides, and also one third part of my personal or moveable estate forever, to be for her
use and disposal at pleasure without molestation. Item. I give unto my son Ephraim, in consider-
ation of his being my first bom, my largest Mirror or looking Glass, which with what I have already
given him is his full proportion, and all that he is to have of my estate. Item. I give unto my sons
Peter, Ezra, or their heirs, and Jedediah, to each and every of them, the sum of five pounds lawf\il
money to be paid out of my estate as hereafter ordered. Item. I give onto my son Matthew the
sum of two pounds ten shillings. Money aforesaid, as hereafter ordered. Item. I give to my
(laughter Sarah, the sum of five pounds, money aforesaid, to be equally divided between her Heirs.
Item. I give to my son Gideon, the sum of ten pounds lawful money, which several sums with what
I have already given to my sons Peter, Ezra or their heirs, Jedediah, Matthew & Gideon & my
daughter Sarah, is their proportion and is all they i^nd every of them are to have of my estate. Item.
I give unto my daughter Katharine, the sum of ten pounds lawful money, which with what she hath
already had, is her proportion & all she is to have of my estate. Item. I give unto my daughter
Mary, the sum of fifty pounds lawful Money, exclusive of what she hath earned to herself since she
came of age, or may earn to herself until my decease; And my Will is that the above Legacies be
paid as above directed out of my Estate, the one half to each iu proportion to his Legacy at the end
of one year after my decease, the other half at the end of two years after my decease, toibe paid in
monies or otherwise as they may agree. And now my further Will and pleasure is that after the
above said I>egacies. all my just Debts already contracted or that I may contract before m> decease,
together with my funeral Charges be paid out of my estate by my Executors, who I shall hereafter
appoint, that the remainder of my estate real and personal be equally divided between my three sons
to wit : Comfort, Enoch and Silas ; and also that the third of my real Estate given to my Wife Sarah,
be, after the Expiration of the terra of time she remains my Widow, equally divided between my said
.sons, viz.. Comfort, Enoch & Silas, and to be for them and their Heirs forever. And I make, ordain,
& appoint my eldest son Ephraim & John Chandler of said Newtown, to be the sole Executors of this
my last Will & Testament, to take care and see the same performed according to my tone, intent and
meaning.
In Witness whereof, I the said Peter Hubbell, have to this my last Will & Testament, set my
hand and seal the day and Date above written.
P£TEU HrSBELL, [SBAL.]
Signed. Sealed, published and declared, by the said Peter llubbell, as and for his last Will
and Testament, in Presence of
Nathax Wasiibox, Asa Cooswbll, John Adams, Witnesses."*
•* Fairfield County, S.S., Newtown, on the 22nd of February, A.D. 1780, personally appeared
Messrs. Nathan Washbon, Asa Cogswell and John Adams. The evidences to the above and fore-
going Will & Testament, and on sworn Oaths declared that the Testator signed, sealed & declared
the same to be his last Will & Testament in their presence, that they severally evidenced the same in
presence of the Testator, and in the presence of each other, and that the Testator was at that time in
their opinion in the free exercise of his Reason and of a well disposing mind.
Sworn before, John Chandler, Justice Peace.
At a Court of Probate held in Danbury, for the District of Danbury, April 4th, 1780.
Present, Joseph C^ke, tisq., Judge.
Ephraim Hubbell. Ksq.. one of the Kxecutors named in the foregoing Will, exhibited the same
to said Court of Probation and before said Court accepted the trust reposed in him by the Testator.
* C<»pied by the Author from '• Probate Records of Newtown," In Danbury, Conn.
52 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
Col. John Chandler, the other Executor named, declined said trust, said Will being proTed, is by
said Court approved and ordered to be recorded.
Test, Joseph P. Cooke, Jon.
Qerk."*
"^5
An InTentory of the Estate of Mr. Peter Hubbell, late of Newtown, deceased.
Cash in Continental Bills, 89s. 9d.; One Coat, 88., 2
One West, Is.; One light blue Coat, 4s. 6d.; One old Vest, Is. 3d., .... 0
One great Coat, 10?.; One pair leather breeches, 4s.; Three pr. linen do., 3s, . .1
One pr leather Gloves, 28. 6d.; Two pr lin stockings, 38., 0
One pr grey yarn stockings, 2s. 6d.; One pr dark grey do., 2s, 0
One pr. old do. Is.; One pr. blue do 4s., 0
One Check flannel Shirt, 2s. 6d.; One do., 2s.; One pr. linen Stockings, Is. 9d., . . 0
One holland Cap, Is.; One green baized do., 3d., 0
One black Cravat, Is. 2d.: One Scarf, 9d.; One Beaver Hatt, 28s., .... 1
Two Silver Spoons, 18s.; Two do. (One at 14s. & One at 12s.), 2
Five tea spoons, ISs.; One Silver gill cup, 868.; One pr. Silver Shoe Buckles, 128; One
pr. Silver Buttons, Is., 8
One pr. Money Scales,, 2s.; One Stone 3s.; One Razor, 28. 6d., 0
One large looking Glass, 80s.; One Case of Draws, 75s., 7
Cash in Silver, 8s. 2d.; One Cup and Two Square Bottles, 3s., 0
Four junk bottles, 2s. 8d.; One quart Bottle, Is. 4d., 0
One Chest, 3s.; One Box, 4d.; One Stone Jugg, 6d.; One SnuiU Box, 8d 0
One Trunk, 4s.; One great Wheel, 3s. 6d.; One larg Chest, Ss., 0
One warming pan, Ts.; One round Table, 8s., 0
One pr. hand Irons, 20s.; One Peal, 5s.; One pr. Tongs, 3s., 1
One small Peal, 2s. 6d.; tobacco tongs, 5e., 0
Onepr. small Stillyards, 58.; One Gridiron, Gs.; toasting Iron, 8s. 6d., ... 0
One Lamp, Is. 6d.; One Melting Ladle, Is. Gd., 0
One Flax Hetchel, 98.; One fine do., lOs.; 10 old Chairs, 10s., 1
One great leather Chair, 12s.; One Striped Blanket, 15s., 1
One Check do., 128.; One Dutch do., lis.; One pr. woolen Sheets, lOs. 6d., . . 1
Two Coverlids, 238. 6d.; One do., 9s, *• . .1
One Blanket, 7s- 6d.; One Bedtick, 7s., , 0
One Bedstead & Cord, 9s., One feather Bed, Bolster & pillows, 58s., .... 3
One Feather Bed and Bolster, 48s. ; One old Bedstead and Under Bed, Gs., . . 2
One Striped Blanket, 98. ; One Blancket, 98., 0
One do IGs. ; One Bed Bolster and Pillow, 7s. ; One under bed & two Bolsters, 5s., . 1
One Table, 2s. Gd. ; One brass Cockle Sive, 30s. ; One White woolen sheet, Gs., . . 1
One White woolen Sheet, Gs. . One fVying pan, 5s., 0
One Brass Kettle, 50s. ; One small do, 19s. ; One small brass kettle, 78., . . .8
One Brass Ladle, 28. Gd 0
One Tin Oven, 12s. ; One tin Cover, 4s. ; Four & half Sein Chain, 4s. 3d., . . . 1
Four Cast Boxes, 7s. ; One Bushel Bale, Is., 0
One burning iron, Gd. ; One Crow Bar, 5s. ; One broad ax, 4s. ; two heaters, lOd., . 0
One hand Bellows, Is. ; One tape loom, 8d. ; One bag, 28. Gd., 0
One Gall Bottle, 2s. ; One do, Is. ; Iron Dish KeUle, Gs., 0
«.
d.
7
9
6
9
5
0
5
6
4
6
5
0
6
5
1
3
10
0
04
0
04
0
7
6
15
0
18
2
04
0
04
6
14
6
15
0
08
0
07
6
14
0
03
0
09
0
07
0
13
6
12
G
14
6
07
0
14
00
18
00
08
00
18
06
11
00
16
00
02
06
00
08
08
00
10
04
04
04
09
00
* Copied by the Author from " Probate Records of Newtown," now in Probate Court of Danbnry, Con-
necticut.
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY.
53
One Bog hoe, 68. ; One Chaffing Dish, Is. 6d. ; One Iron Bason, 28. 6d
One Board ax, 58. 6d. ; One Gun, ISs. ; One 2 Qrt Dish, 9d.,
One Iron Pot, Gs. : One small Iron Kettle, 28. 6d. ; One tea Kettle, 13s
Two trammels, 128. 9d. ; Box Iron & Grate, 48. ; Shoe Punch, 4d.,
Lanoett, 4d. ; One pr Shoemaker's pincers, Is. , One post ax, 4s. 6d.,
Pick do, 2s. ; Stone Hammer, Is. 3d. ; One small Hetohel, Is., .
Two pr pincers, Is. 3d. ; Cooper's Adze, Ss. 6d. ; Iron Sledge, 2s. 8d.,
One broad Chisel, 6d. ; Narrow do,4d. ; One do, 6d. ; handsaw, 2s.,
Jack \ Auger, Is. 3d.,
One Auger, Is. ; Bung do, Is. ; Stub Ax, 2s. ; tap auger, lOd., .
Two files. Is. ; breast bit, 38. ; One old Chest, 2s.,
Branding Iron, 2s. ; One do, 6d. : Two pr Sheep Sheaip, 28, 6d.,
Pegging awl, 6d. ; A drawing knife. Is.,
Old Square, 8d. ; Small trowel, 6d. ; hammer, 6d. ; Sickle, 6d., .
Iron Curtain rods, 3s. 6d. ; One pr Spectacles, 3s., .
One pr Gold Sieve Buttons, 25s. ; Two Bells, 4s.,
Pair Cards, Is. 8d. ; Ten Wooden trays, V2». Od.,
Two small Tubs, Vs. 4d. ; Two Milk Pails, 38. 6d., . ,
Mortar, Is. 6d. ; Culinder & Candle box. Is. ; tin Kettle, Is.,
Tunnil, 4d. ; One tin pan, 8d. ; One do., Is. 6d. , One do, Is. 3d.,
Lanthom, Is. 3d. ; A peice of Chain, Is. ; One Crain hook, Gd., .
One Meal siye, Is. 8d. ; One do, 8d. ; Wort, do. Is., ,
Wooden Scimmer, 8d. ; three trenchers, 6d. ; Wooden Bowl, 8d.,
Spice Mortar, 6s. ; puter mustard pot, Is. Gd., .
One pint Measure, Is. 3d. ; Spice Mill, 3s.,
Large puter platter & Seven plates, 12s. 3d. ; A puter platter, 5s.,
Soup do, 28. 6d. ; three old plates, 2s.,
Pive knives & forks, Ss. , One quart pott, 3s. 6d. ; One pt do, Is. lOd.
Three pint Basen, 48. ; One Basen, 2s. 6d. ; One qt Basen, Is. 6d.,
One Basen, Is. ; Pint Basen, lOd. ; porringer, 9d. ; porringer, Gd.,
Bread pan, Ts. ; One tin ladle, 4d. ; Tea pott, 3s. 6d., .
Small tin oven, 2s. 6d. ; Coflfee pott. Is. ; flax seed reed, 3s.,
Earthen platter, 4d. ; two Candlesticks, Is. ; Seven run tow yarn, Ts.,
One Salt box, 6d. ; Small earthen dish, 3d. ; Stone pott, 2s.
One barril, 2s. ; two small Caggs, 4s., .
Two old small Casks, Is. ; One old dry barril, 9d.,
Two S<»ap Barrils, 28. ; Three dry barrils, 48. 6d.
One dry barril, 28. ; Two Baggs, 28. 3d.,
Five tea Cups & Saucers, 2s. ; Earthen Bowl, 4d.,
One China Cup & Saucer, Is. 2d. ; Small Earthen Bowl, 9d.,
One foot glass, 8d. ; One Gill Glass, lOd. ; Half pt Glass, Is. 4d.,
Blue stone pott, lOd. ; Cannister, Is. ; Blue stone pott, 6d.,
Bellamy's Theren, 6d. ; Mrs. Row's works. Is. Gd.,
Doctor Dodridge's Works, 28. ; Psalms Book, 2s. 6d.,
9} yards Diaper 208. 9d. ; 9J yards linen, at 28. 4d.,
1( yd of check flannel, 3s. 9d. ; 1 yd ticking, 38.,
8| yds linen Cloth, 30b. lOd. ; four pr sheets, at 16s.,
1 yd of sheeting, 98.,
Pr Sheets, 148. ; pr Sheets, 9s. ; pr Sheets, 17s. .
Pr Sheets, 9s. ; pr Sheets, 20s. ; Pr Sheets, 18s.,
One Sheet, 9s. ; pr Sheets, lOs. ; Ten pr Pillow Cases, ISs. 3d.,
0 10 00
1 00 08
1 01 00
0 17 01
0 05 10
0 04 03
0 07 05
0 08 04
0 01 08
0 04 10
0 06 00
0 06 00
0 01 06
0 02 02
0 06 06
1 09 00
0 14 02
0 05 10
0 03 06
0 03 09
0 02 09
0 08 04
0 01 10
0 07 06
0 04 03
0 17 08
0 04 06
0 08 04
0 08 00
0 03 02
0 10 10
0 06 06
0 08 04
0 02 09
0 06 00
0 01 09
0 06 06
0 04 03
0 02 04
0 01 11
0 02 02
0 02 04
0 02 00
0 04 06
2 02 02
0 06 09
1 16 10
0 09 00
2 00 00
2 17 DO
1 17 03
54
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
One qailting frame, 28. 6d. ; two Diaper Napkins, 49., 0 06 06
12 Diaper Napkins, 10s. lid. : One Diaper Table Goth, 5s 0 15 11
One Diaper Table Ooth, 3s. 6d. ; One Diaper Table Cloth. 2a., 0 05 06
One Plain Table Cloth, Ss. 6d. ; One Plain Table Goth, 28 0 05 06
One Strainer 9il.; two window Curtains 3s. 9d., 0 04 06
One bread bowl Is.; One Ooaths Basket Is. 6d., 0 02 (.16
One Com &n Is.; One red Cow with Calf 90s 41100
One red heifer with Calf 808., 40000
One brown Cow SOs.; Three Sheep 27s., 5 07 00
A Note of hand bearing date Augt S2nd, 1771, payable Nov. 1772 8 00 00
" *' *• •* •* " •♦ ** *' " 1773 40 00 00
" " " " •• ** '* '* •• •• 1774 30 00 00
One note of'' ** •* March 17th, 1779. pavaMe on Demand . . 5 <J0 «iO
One Parchment SiTa for cleaning flax Seed Is. 6d., , 0 01 06
One fox trap lOs.; One Mason Trowell 28., 0 12 00
One pewter qt Measure 3s., 00300
One Pr Battens 48.; One pr flems Is. 6d., 0 05 0»>
One Buttrass Is.; C lbs. flax 4s.; 31bs. Wool 6s., 0 11 OO
One small Calf Skin 28., 0 02 00
One Piece of Wood Land supposed to contain about 40 acres at 45s 9 00 00
One piece containing 100 acres at 35s., 175 00 00
One peice containing 8 acres at £12.10 per acre, 102 08 00
£526 06 00
Newtown, March 29th, 1780. We the Subscribers being appointed to appraise the Estate of
Mr. Peter Hubbell, deceased, first being qualified bj oath, the above is a true Inyentory.
Ephraim Subemas.
Benj Spees.
At a Court of Probate held in Danbury, for the District of Daobury, April 4th, 1780, Ephraim
Hubbell, Esq., only acting Executor of the last Will and Testament of Mr. Peter Hubbell, late of
Newtown in said District, deceased exhibited the foregoing InTentor}- for probation and made Oath
thereto in usual form, said InTentory being proved, is by said Court approved and ordered to be re-
corded.
Test, Joseph P. Cooke, Jun.,
Clerk.
A true Record of the original Inventory.
Test.
Joseph P. Cooke, Jun.,
Clerk.**
"At a Court of Probate, held in Danbury, for the District of Danhurj, April 4ih. 1780. Ben-
jamin Spees, Esq., of Woodbury, Messrs. Ephraim Sherman and Elijah Botsford. of Newtown, all
freeholders, are appointed and impowered to distribute and make Division of the Estate of Mr. Peter
Hubbell, late of said Newtown, deceased, amounting in Real Estate to the sum of £365, and in clear
moveable Estate to the sum of £101-6, according to the last Will and Testament uf said deceased.
Test, Joseph P. Cooke, Jun.,
Clerk.
• Copied by the Author from " Newtown Prol»ate RtnxjnJs " in Danbur\-, Conn.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 55
*
A distribution of the Estate of Mr. Peter Hubbell, of Newtown, deceased, made by us, the
Subscribers, being under oath.
First. Distributed and Set off to the Widow, Sarah Hubbell, in sundry Articles of moTeable Estate
which agreeable to the Apprisal thereof amounts to £53 15s. 4s. Also set off to said widow of the
Real Estate, Sundry pieces of I^nd^ as follows, viz. : Twenty acres on pine Hill, which is bounded,
beginning 86 rods eastward of Joseph Botsford's Comer, by Itighway ; thence S. E. 2 deg. 222 rods to
Potatuck Brook; then by said Brook Eastwardly 14 rods; then North West 2G Degs. 236 rods to
the aforesaid Highway ; then by said highway Southwesterly 16 rods and 10 Links to the Bounds
begun, at £58 13s. 4d.. Also set off two and an half acres in the Orchard Lot, so called, which is
bounded beginning at a Bounds 23 rods Southward from the North East Comer of said land ; thence
South West 77 Degs. 21 rods to a Bounds in the Westerly lines of said Land ; then in said line
Southerly 19 rods to a bounds; then North East 77 Degs. 21 J rods to highway ; then Northwardly
by said highway 19 rods and 8 Links to the Bounds begun, at £88 6s. 8d. Also set off to said widow
eight and an half acres and 16 rods of ground on Timber Hill, so called, which is bounded beginning
at a Walnut shiremark, 29 rods Southward from the North West comer of said land ; thence in the
Westerly line thereof 46 rods and 14 Links to a heap of stones ; thence South West 41 Degs. 27 rods
and 5 Links to a heap of stones in the Easterly line of said Land ; then in said line Northerly 46
rods and 15 links to a heap of stones ; then South West 41 Degs. 82 rods to the Bounds begun at,
with a PriTiledge to pass through Comfort HubbelFs land, adjoining thereto, £29 13s. 4d. Here it
may be noted that the Lands above described are all included in those described and set off to Comfort
and Enoch Hubbell.
The several Legacies set off and distributed to the Legatees as follows, viz. :
Set off to Ephraim Hubbell, Esq., a large looking glass, £4
Set off to Peter Hubbell in Moveables to the sum of £5
Set off to Jedediah Hubbell or his Heirs in Moveables to ihe sum of £5
Set off to Ezra Hubbell or his Heirs in Moveables to the sum of £5
Set off to Matthew Hubbell or his Heirs in Moveables to the sum of £2 10s.
Set off to Gideon Hubbell in Moveables to the sum of - . £10
Set off to Sarah Bryan or her Heirs in Moveables to the sum of . * . . £5
Set off to Katharine Birch in Moveables to the sum of £10
Set off to Mary Beardglee iu Moveables to the sum of £6 15
Which with £43-5, before received, makes the £50 as per WDl
Set off to the Presbyterian Church in Newtown in Moveables to the sum of . . . £10
Distributed and set off to Comfort Hubbell 33 acres on the Westerly side of Pine Hill, so
called, which is bounded beginning at the North West comer of said Land ; thence in the Westerly
Line thereof to Potatuck Brook : then by said Eastwardly 10 rods to a heap of (tones ; then North
West 26 Degs. 229 rods and 15 Links to a heap of Stones by highway ; then by said highway 44 rods to
to the bounds begua, at £21 Xo^, lOd. Also set off 4 acres of the Orchard Lot, which is bounded be-
ginning at the North East corner ot said Land ; thence Southwardly by highway 33 to a heap of
stones ; then South West 77 degs. 22 rods to a heap of stones in the West line of said Land ; then
Northwardly and Eastwarldy in the original lines to the Bounds begun, at £33 Os. 3d. Also set off
to him 11 acres and 32 rods of Ground on Timber Hill, which is bounded beginning at the North
West corner of said land: thence Southerly 49 rods and 5 lin'^s to a Walnut Shiremark; thence
North Eiist 41 Deg-*. 29 rods* »in«l 15 Links to a ])l}ick Oak iree on >i Li'flgt* of W rks in the Easterly
line of said land ; then Northerly and South wesrly in ihe original Line-* lo th»* INmnd'i begun, at
£17 I8s. 6d. Also set off to him the equal third part of the Mine with the land and lumber under
the Mountain £H I2s. 6Jd. Also set off to to him in Sundry Articles of Movenblc F^tnte, £14 15s 2Jd.
Distributed and set off to Knoch Hubbell 34 Acres on Pine Hill, so called, which is bounded
as follows, beginning at the North East corner of Comfort's Land on &aid Hill, thence South East 26
Degs. 229 rods and 15 links to a heap of stones by Potatuck Brook, which also is Comfort's Corner.
then Eastwardly by said Brook 10 rods to the South Kast corner of said IMne Hill Land, then Nortli-
S6 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
wardly in the East line of said Land 129 rods to a heap of stones, thence South West 86 Degs. 86
rods to a stake, thence North West 22J Degs. 09 rods to a heap of stones by highway, then by said
highway 23 rods and 20 links to the first Bounds, £21 ISs. lOd. Also set off 3 acres 3 quarters and
18 rods of ground of the Orchard Lot,- being all the remainder of said Lot South of Comfort's 4
Acres, £33 6s. 8d, Also set of 127 acres on Timber Hill, being all the remainder of that piece of
Land lying South of and adjoining to the land here set off to Comfort, as described to him, £17 18s.
6d. Also set to him the equal third part of the mine with the Land and Timber under the Mountain,
£8 38. 6f . Also set off to him in Sundry Articles of Moveable Estate, £14 Ids. 2}d.
Distributed and set off to Silas Hubbell 30 acres of land on Pine Ilili, bounded as follows :
Beginning at the North East Comer of said Farm, thence in the Eastwardly line Southward 99 rods
to a heap of stone, thence South West 86 Degs. 36 rods to a Stake in the ground, which is the bounds
of Enoch's Land, thence North West 22} Degs 99 rods to highway, from thence in North line of said
Farm to the Bounds began, at £72 19s. Also set to him the equal third part of the Mine with the
Land and Timber under the Mountain, £8 3s 63d. Also set off to him in Sundry Articles of more-
able Estate to the amount of £14 I5s. 2jd.
Distributed pr us, Elijah Botsfobd,
^HRAiM Sherman, I ^^"^^'^"•
Dated Newtown, April 19th, 1780.
At a Court of Probate held in Danbury, for the District of Danbury, April 2d, 1781, The fore-
going distribution being exhibited, for Probation, is approved and ordered to be recorded.
Test, Joseph P. Cooke, Jun.,
Clerk.
A true Record of the original Distribution.
Test, Joseph P. Cooke, Jitn.,
aerk."»
JONATHAN HUBBELL, of Newtown, Fairfield County, Colony of
Connecticut, son of Lieutenant Richard Hubbell and Rebecca Morehouse,
was born on March 25, 1692, in Fairfield, Fairfield County, Colony of
Connecticut, and died in Newtown, on September 6, 1766. (The following
Administration, Inventory and Distribution of his estate were copied for this
work by Luman Leroy Hubbell, of Danbury, Connecticut, from ** Newtown
Probate Records," in Danbury, Connecticut.
**At a Court of Probate, held in Danbury, for the District of Danbury, October the 16th,
1766, whereas, Daniel Hubbell and Joseph Hubbell, the eldest and youngest sons of Jonathan
Hubbell, late of Newtown, in sd District, dec'd. Personally appearing before this Court and declining
to take administration on the £state of their sd Father, and also informing this Court that aU the
rest of the male Heirs of the sd dcc'd live out of this Government, and desiring that administration
of the sd Estate should be committed to John Griffin, son-in-biw to the .sd Deceased, whereupon this
Court appoints the sd John Griffin administrator on the »iid Estate, and the sd John Griffin hath
given bond on file as the law directs.
Test, TiiAi.rs Bexkdkt. Oerk.^t
* Copied by the Author from "Newtown Probate KecH»rdx," in Danbury, Conn,
t Sijv " Danbury Probate Records, " Vol. II, p. 191.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 57
"Newtown, in the County of Fairfield, we, the subscribers hereunto, being deHired and quali-
fied as the law directs, have appraised the Estate of Jonathan Hubbell, late of Newton, deo'd, have
this 26th day of NoTember, A. D. 1766, appraised sd Estate, as the same was presented to us in the
following manner :
The Home Lot containing near 5 acres, at £100 Os. Od.
The old house standing on sd lot, at the Well, at 3 10 0
One piece of mowing meadow containing 4 acres and 71 rods, . . 17 15 6
*7 acres of Boggy Meadow given to the Girls, at 7 10 0
2 acres and 33 rods of land, being the 4th part of a piece of land called
the Island, in the home meadow so called, at . .483
Five of Boggy Meadow, lying north of sd Island, at . . . . 3 15 0
One Black mare at £5, one Shaving Knife, Is. 6d., 5 16
One Iron Kettle, 050
John Qloveb. ]
Ephbaim Sherman, >- Appraisers.
Abraham Kimbeblt, j
"At a Court of Probate, held in Danbury, for the Dist. of Danbury, Dec 2, 1766, Mr. John
Griffin, Administrator on the Estate of Jonathan Hubbell, late of Newtown, in sd District, deed,
exhibited the foregoing Inventory for Probation, and made solemn oath that the same is a true and
perfect inventory of all the Estate of the sd Deo'd, both real and personal, that he knows of, and that
if any more shall hereafter appear belonging to sd Estate, that he will cause the same to be made
known and inserted to this Court, sd Inventory being Proved, is by sd Court approved and ordered
to be recorded.
Test, Thadus Benedict, Clerk."
•* At a Court of Probate, held in Danbury, for the District of Danbury, October the 4th, A. D.
1768, Whereas, Jonathan Hubbell, late of Newtown, in sd District, Dec'd, Dying Intestate, hath left
in clear Real Estate, amounting to the sum of £72 14s 8d. as appears by the Inventory taken thereof,
which remains to 1>e divided to and among the children of the sd DecM, and those that legally re-
presents them, there being no one of the sd heirs that is willing to take the whole and pay Legacies
to the other, and yet praying for a Distribution of the same, whereupon this Court doth nominate,
desire, appoint and Impower Richard Firman, Esq., Capt. John Glover, and Mr. Ephraim Sherman,
Freeholders, all of sd Newtown, to distribute and make division of the sd Estate as the law directs,
(viz :) to Daniel Hubbell the eldest son to the sd Dec'd, a Double part or share of sd I'^tate, and to
Ichabod Hubbell, Richard Hubbell, Hannah, the wife of Saml. Weed, Elizabeth, the wife of Beiy.
We«d, Jemimah, the wife of Joseph Smith, Hepsabah, the wife of David Wells, Reubih, the wife of
John Griffin, Jeptha Hubbell, and to the Heirs of Ithamar Hubbell, and to Sillimaa Hubbell, they
being the children and all of the children of the sd Dec'd, to each a single part or share in the said
Estate, having a Regard to any Advancement h made by the Intestate to any of the said children in
his lifetime.
Test, Thadi's. Benedict, Clerk.
Pursuant to an order from the Honorable Judge of the Court of Probate, for the District of
Danbury, Impowering us, the subscribers, to Distribute the Real Estate of Jonathan Hubbell, of
Newtown, Dec'd, being £72 14s. Od. we being qualified as the law directs, have Distributed the sd
Estate to and among the heirs of said Estate, having had Regards to the advancements made by the
Intestate to any of the said children in his lifetime, the advancements being personal Estate, and the
Evidences we had were the children of the sd Dec'd is as follows, (viz :)
To Jeptha Hubbell and Richard Hubbell which sd Jeptha hath bought of sd Richard off of
the South side of said deceast Home I^tt in said Newtown, joining South on the part of said Lot,
which Lieut. Jonathan Griffin lately sold to said Jeptha, being two rods 2 links of the chain, and 5
* Thii piece afleirwardB found to have been sold in his lifetime.
58 HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY.
Inches wide at each end of sd home lot, and running from front to reir of sd lot, with a Dwelling
house standing thereon.
To the heirs of Silliman Hubbell joining South on sd Jeptha and Richard's part one rod and
16 links wide at East End of h'1 lot, and hi running from front to rear of said lot.
To the heirs of Ithamar Hubbell, joining South on sd Silliman' s part 8 foot and 3 Inches
wide at Each End of sd Lott, and so running from front to rear of sd lot.
To Elizabeth Weed, joining South to the above part 20 links and 5 inches wide at Each End,
and so running from front to rear of sd lot.
To Hephzibah Wells, joining South to the above part one Rod 15 links and one inch wide at
Each End, and so running from front to rear of sd Lot.
To Jcmimah Smith, joining South on the above part one Rod 8 links and 5 Inches wide at each
end, and so running front to rear of sd Ix>tt.
To Beulah Griffin, two acres of Land in the Home Meadow so called, bounded as mentioned
in the Publick Records in sd Newtown, reference thereto being had, and also in (he above said home
lot joining South on sd Jemimah's part 5 links and 6 Inches wide at Each End, and running from
front to rear of sd lot.
To Hannah Weed joining South on the above part 18 links and 1 Inch wide at each end, and
so running from front to rear of si lot.
To Ichabod Hubbell, joining South on the above part one rod 16 links and one Inch wide at
Each End, and running from front to rear of said lot.
To Daniel Hubbell, a douMe share joining South on the above part 3 Rods 5 links and 2 Inches
wide at the front of sd lot, and 4 Rods five links and two Inches wide at the Rear or West End of
sd lott, running from front to rear of sd lot, and joining north on Mrs. Grant's home lott, Rebekah
Turner having, (according to the above Evidence), received all her part in her lifetime.
Those being all heirs and all the heirs of the Dec'd made and completed the 24t]i daj of No-
vember, A. D. 1768.
Pr. JoDN Glovkb, 1
Richard Firman, V Distributors.
Ephraim SuermaNj j
At a Court of Probate held in Danbury. for the District of Danbury, December ye 24th, A. D.
1768, the foregoing Distribution being Exhibited for Probation, the same being proved, is by said
Court approved and ordered to be recorded.
Test, Thadus. Benedict, Clerk.
A True Record of the Original Distribution.
Test, Thadus. Benedict, Clerk.'*
RICHARD HUBBELL, of Stratfield Parish, Town of Fairfield, Fair-
field County, Colony of Connecticut, Son of Lieutenant Richard Hubbell,
and his second wife Hannah Silliman, was born in Fairfield, Fairfield
County, Colony of Connecticut, on October 20, 1676.
He was a merchant engaged in trade with the West Indies for many
years. From 1783 until his death (1787) he was in business with his son
Amos, under the firm name of Richard Hubbell and Son. They were
chiefly in the West Indies trade, including a coastwise trade with Boston;
their place of business was in Newfield, (now included in the town of
Bridgeport, Conn.)
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 59
Towards the close of the Revolutionary War their business was con-
fined to a coasting trade between Newfield and Boston, and they were
enabled to render efficient aid to General Washington and their country by
placing at the disposal of Washington one of their sloops, for an expedition
to surprise and capture an English Brig of War, then at anchor in Long
Island Sound, off Newfield.
The facts as reported are mainly and briefly as follows : General
Washington then at or near the village of Black Rock, (about three miles
from Newfield) detailed to Colonel Talmadge twenty-five men to embark
in a sloop at Newfield, that had been tendered by Richard Hubbell and
Son, for the expedition.
Amos Hubbell was in command of the sloop, being one of the owners
of the vessel, he steered her himself and under cover of the darkness,
placed her along side of the English Brig, when in a few moments Colonel
Talmadge and his men boarded the enemy and were soon in possession of
their prize, they took the captured vessel and crew into Black Rock
harbor and surrendered them to General Washington.
His son Richard was also associated in the business, and the two
sons Amos and Richard carried on the same business after their father's
death.
Richard Hubbell, the subject of this sketch, was Deacon of the Church
of Christ in Stratfield Parish for many years. (For further particulars see
Abstracts from "Colonial Records of Connecticut,'* in Appendix to this work.)
The following notice of his death is from the ^'Fairfield Gazette and In-
dependent Intelligence I' of July 4, 1787.*
'* Died on the 27th ult., Mr. Richard Hubbell, in the 08rd year of his age. He was deacon of
the Charch in Stratfield for 80 years. He liTed with his wife (who now surviyes him) about 68 years.
His loss is much lamented by a numerous acquaintance."
'< In the Name of God Amen. I Richard Hubbell. of Stratfield Parish and Town of Fairfield,
being far advanced in years and sick and weak in Body, but of sound disposing Mind and Memory,
recommending my Soul to God thro Jesus Christ the Redeemer and my Body to decent Burial, do
make and ordain my last Will and Testament in Form and Manner following : First. It is my Will
that after my just Debts and funeral Charges are paid, my beloved wife Penelope shall have and pos-
sess all my Household Furniture and moveable Estate, and I do hereby will and bequeath it all to her
to be her own forever and at her Disposal as she shall think proper, excepting the Articles hereafter
particularly mentioned, which I design my son Benjamin shall have after her Decease. Secondly.
It is also my Will that she shall have the Use and Improvement of the old Meeting House Lot, so
called, lying opposite to Mr. John Cooke's, in Quantity about five Acres, during her natural Life.
Thirdly. It is my will and I do hereby give ancl Bequeath unto my son Benjamin above mentioned,
the said Lot or piece of Land to be his own forever afttsr the Decease of his Mother. Fourthly. It
•The "Paper "Is fn the possession of Mi^or Win. B. Himrk?, of Bridgeport, Conn.
6o HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
is my Will that at his Mother's decease he shall haye out of my moyeable Estate, my great Bible and
large looking Glass, my Large silver Cup and two large table siWer Spoons, and the Bed on which he
usually lodges, together with all the Furniture belonging to it, to be his own forever.
Finally I do constitute and appoint my son Amos Hubbell to be the Sole Executor of this my
Jast Will and Testament. In Witness whereof, I set my Hand and Seal, pronouncing and declaring
this and no other to be my last Will and Testament, This 25th Day of June, 1787.
Richard Hubbell, [skal.]
Signed, sealed, pronounced and declared, to be his last Will and Testament, in Presence of
us.
Ebbmb Whitmiy,
Ruth Whitney,
Robert Ross.
Proved Mar. 7, 1788."*
ELEAZER HUBBELL, of Fairfield, Fairfield County, Colony of
Connecticut, son of Lieutenant Richard Hubbell, and his secorfd wife Han-
nah Silliman, was born in Stratfield Parish, Fairfield County, Connecticut,
on August 15th, 1700.
He resided in his native town for many years, and afterwards removed
to New Fairfield, Conn., where he died September 3d, 1770.
He was a prominent member of the Masonic Fraternity, as is shown
by the following warrant appointing him " Master of St. John's Lodge."
(For further particulars concerning him see Abstracts from " Colonial Re-
cords of Connecticut," in Appendix to this work.)
*• To all and every our Worshipful and Loving Brethren, we George Harrison, Esq., ProTineial
Grand Master of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons in the Pro-
vince of New York, in America, send Greeting.
Know ye that reposing especial trust and confidence in our Worshipful and well-belored
Brother, Eleazer Hubbell, we do hereby nominate, constitute, and appoint him, the said Eleazer Hob-
bell, to be Master of St. John's Lodge, in the County of Fairfield, and in the Colony of Connecticut,
by virtue of the power and authority vested in us by a deputation bearing date in London, the ninth
day of June, A. D. one thousand seven hundred and fifty-three, from the Right Worshipful John
Roby, Baron of Carysford, in the County of Wicklow, in the ELingdom of Ireland, the then Grand
Master of England, appointing us Provincial Grand Master of the Province of New York.
And we do also authorize the said Eleazer Hubbell to make Masons, as also to do and execute
all and every such other acts and thing appertaining to the said ofiloe, as usually have and ought to
be done and executed by other Masons. He taking especial care that the members of his Lodge do
observe, perform, and ke?p the rules, orders, regulations, and instructions contained in our Constita-
tions and their own particular By-laws, together with all such other rules, orders, regulations, and
instructiobs as shall be given us ; and paying out of the first money he shall receive for initiation
fees to the Treasurer of the Society for the time being, at New York, three pounnds three shilligs
sterling, to be by him remitted to the Treasurer of the Grand Lodge at London.
* Copied by the Author from the original Will now on file in 'Probate Court " Fairfield, Connecdcot.
HISTORY Oh THE HUBBELL FAMILY. 6i
Given ander oar hand and seal of Masonry in the ProTincial Grand Lodge, at the Cit j of New
York, the twelfth day of February A. D., 1762, and year of Masonry, 6702.
George Habrison,
Provincial Grand Master.*'*
As many members of the " Hubbell Family " are connected with Ma-
sonry, the following short account of St. John's Lodge will be read with in-
terest :
The first Charter of St. John's Lodge, No. 3, is dated February 12th. 1702, and was granted
for Fairfied County by the Provincial Grand Master of the State of New York, while these States
were but Colonies of the mother couutry. The first Lodge was held within the town of Stratford,
near the line of the town of Fairfield.
Afterwards Lodges were held at different places within the towns of Fairfield and Stratford.
The first Lodge in Newfield (now Bridgeport) was held June 25th, 1789. In 1792 the brethren in
Newfield, still holding the old charter, proposed to unite under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge
of the State of Connecticut, and their charter was registered accordingly In the office of the Grand
Secretary. In October of the same year a new charter was granted, with permission to hold the
lodge at Fairfield or Newfield, the lodge voted to meet within the borough of Bridgeport, and did so
until 1809, when the Grand Lodge ordered that in fhture it should be holden within one mile of the
court house in the town of Fairfield. In 1812 the Lodge met at the house of Brother Ephraim
Knapp, and from that time it has continued to be held in Bridgeport.
" At the first meeting of the lodge five brothers were present, viz. : Amot Cannon, Master, pro-
tem.y Joseph Knapp, Senior Warden, Isaac Young, Junior Warden, Hezekiah Hubbell, Treasurer,
and I. Anderson, Secretary. It seems to have been an extraordinary lodge, called to initiate David
Wheeler and Woolcot Chauncey. They met at the house of Captain Samuel Wakelee, in Stratfield,
on Monday, February 15th, 1762. The second meeting was at the house of Kichard Hubbell, also
a case of emergency, to pass and raise brothers Wheeler and Chauncey. The first regular (or proper)
lodge was held at Mr. Hubbeirs house on Wednesday, February 24th, 1762. Up to July 14th of
the same year. Eight meetings were held, when the first election of officers took place, Eleazer
EnbbeU being chosen Master. Thus the work began which has been going on through the past one
hundred years until the present day (1880).
It is worthy of note that no allusion is made in the records to either the revolutionary war or
that of 1812, Masonry having only to do with that which belongs to peace.
In July, 1794, it was voted 'That a mourning ring be presented to the relict of our late
vorihy and respected brother, Wakeman Hubbell, deceased, as a token of the unabating friendship
we retain for his memory.'
In December, 1799, it was voted ''That the members of the Lodge wear suitable mourning upon
the arm« daring the plessure of the Lodge, In token of respect for the memory of the late Most
Worshipftil Grand Master of the United States, George Washington.*'!
• Transcribed by the Author firom a copy of the Original Warrant in poesseesion of Mi^or William B.
HinekB of Bridgeport, Conn.
t This account of St John's Lodge was copied by the the Author from a lengthy narrative on " Masonr7,'t
Vj Mi^ Wm. B. Hincks, of Bridgeport, Conn.
62 HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY.
NATHANIEL HUBBELL. of Lebanon, Hunterdon Co^ New Jerse>,
son of Lieutenant Richard Hubbell and his second wife Hannah Silliman,
was bom August !i, 1702. in Stratfield Parish, Toim of Fairfield, Fairfield
Count>% Colony of Connecticut.
He was a graduate of Yale College (class of 1723 ) Was admitted
into full communion March 28. 1 725. in Congregational church of "Fair-
field, Conn.," and ordained by the Presbj-terj- of Philadelphia, as early as
1727. His name appears on the roll of the Sv*nod for that year, and was
attached, with the names of three others, to a protest in which he declined
the jurisdiction of the Synod. His field of labor included the scattered
settlements lying back of Elizabeth, New Jersey, and the Newark Moun-
tains, Westfield and Hanover, the latter including the greater part of what
was afterwards Morris County. In 1730 he relinquished the chaise of
Hanover, retaining Westfield until about 1745.
His dismission was brought about by reason of his prosecuting a
claim for one hundred acres of the parsonage land, given him as "a settle-
ment," or to liquidate what was due him from the parish. His Congre-
gation gave him what was called a liberal settlement, supposing he would
live, labor and die among them as a peaceable soul loving Pastor, but his
parish soon found that he was possessed of qualities that greatly disap-
pointed the simple hearted Puritans who attended his Church ; they soon
found him .seeking theirs .so earnestly as to put an end to all anticipated
comfort in him and usefulness from him, and his removal was the result
After his removal he resided within the bounds of Rahway N. J. for
several years, but removed at length to Lebanon in Hunterdon Co., where
he died in 1760. His Will is interesting.*
>*In the Name of Goi Amen; this Eleventh day of Jalj. One thousand sexen hundred and
jiixrj, I Nathaniel Hubbell. of Lebanon, in the County of Hunterdon and ProTince of New Jersey,
of f*ound mind and memory, knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordaui
this my iMt Will and Testament.
Imprimis. 1 recommend my body to the earth, my 8oul into the hands of God that gave it, and that
worldly estate it hath pleased God to give me, I will, give, bequeath and dispose of the same in
the following manner and form, riz. I give, will and bequeath to my disobedient and absconded
wife FHizal^eth, all that money as the annual pr<»fits and interest of the same which was lodged
in the hands of Capt. Daniel Potter and Stephen Crane, &q., both of the borough of Elixabeth,
for her support and five shillings, all being lieu i>f dowry.
Item. I give, l^equeath and will to my loving Hon Ahijah, five shillings, having given him consider*
able alreatly.
Item. I give to my loving son, Kzekiah,t five shillings, having given him considerable already.
Item. I give to my loving son, Nathaniel, five shillings, having given him considerable already.
* 8e»r "HlHlory of Elizabeth, N. J.'
t 8i«lle<l tjuikiah in the original Will.
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY. 63
It«iD. I giTe to my loTing children, Lois, Asa, Esther, Mary & Susanna, my just debts and funeral
charges being first paid, all the remaining part of my estate, both real and personal, to be
equally divided amongst and betwixt them, or the survivors of them, if any, shall die in their
minority ; and I do make, ordain, constitute and appoint my said son, Asa, and my trusty
fHend, Mr. Philip Kearny, Joint Executors of this my last Will and Testament, to whom I
give full power to -sell and convey my lands and tenements I shall dispose of as they shall
think proper, and I do ratify and confirm this and no other to be my last Will and Testament.
In Witness Whreeof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above
written.
Nathaniel Hlbbell, [seal.]
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced and declared by the said Nathaniel Ilubbell as his last
Will and Testament, in presence of us subscribers, Andrew Bloomfield, David Scuddbr and
J06EPH Willis."
''Memorandum. That on the Twenty-eighth day of May, One thousand seven hundred and
sixty-one, Andrew Bloomfield and Daniel Scudder, two of the within evidences appeared before
me, John Smyth, duly authorized, &c., and they being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists, on their
oaths, did declare that they were present, and did see Nathaniel Hubbell, the Testator within named,
sign, seal and deliver the within named instrument, and heard him declare the Hamo to be his last
Will and Testament ; that at the doing thereof the said Nathaniel Hubbell was of a sane mind and
memory, to the best of their knowleege and as they verily believe, and that at the same time Joseph
Willis, the other evidence, was also present and signed his name as evidence thereto, in the presence
of the said Nathaniel Hubbell, — John Smyth.
Also, that at the same time Asa Hubbell, one of the Executors within named, the other having
renounced, came before me and was duly (qualified by taking the oath of an Executor, as by law
appointed.
John Smyth."
"Probate granted by Gov'r. Boone, &c , in the usual form, &c., dated the same Twenty-
eighth day of May, 1701
Cha. Read, Ilegr."
*• Recorded Jn Liber H of Wills, pages 7, 8 and 9, State Department, Trenton, N. J."*
DANIEL HUBBELL, of Stratficld, Fairfield County, Colony of Con-
necticut, son of Samuel Hubbell, Senior, and Temperance Preston, was
born in Fairfield, Fairfield County, Colony of Connecticut, August 8, 1691.
He was a Captain, and was a man much respected by his fellow-
citizens.
He died in 1735, and is buried in the Stratfield Burying Ground.
<' In the name of God, Amen. I, Daniel Hubbell, of Stratfield, In the County of fairfield,
and Colony of Connecticut, In new England, being under Considerable Infirmity of body, but of
sound mind and memory. Considering my mortallity, do make this my Last Will and Testament.
Firstly & principally 1 Commit my Soul to the hands of God who gave it, & my body to a decent
Chriatian buryall, firmly believing its resurrection, and hoping for Eternal life through the merits of
CUriat,
And touching my wordly Estate, I dispose of the same in manner following : Item. My will
is tliat my Executor here afler named do pay out my personal Estate all my Just debts & funerall
Charges, which being discharged, the remainder of my Estate I will and bequeath as followeth :
* Copied for this work by T. K. Johnston, Private Secretary to "Secretary of State/' Trenton, N. J.
64 HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY.
Imprs. To my Dearly beloyed wife, Esther, I will and bequeath one third part of my Reall Estate
during her natural life, which third, my will is, that after her deceas it be Equally dlTided betwixt
my three Sons, Daniel, Abel, and Gideon. Also to her I will and bequeath one third part of my
personal Estate, after the deductions of debts, to be at her absolute Dispose. Item. I will and
bequeath to my beloyed daughters, Mary, Tabitha, & Abia, to Each of them one hundred pounds out
of my personal Estate, so far as that will allow ; but if my personal Estate be not sufficient the re-
mainder of their portions to be made up In Lands. Item. I will and bequeath to my beloTed son,
Daniel, on consideration of his birth right, fifty pounds out of my real Estate. Item. To my be-
loTod sons, Daniel, Abel & Gideon, all the remaining part or parts of my real Estate not before
bequeathed, to be Equally divided betwixt them. Further, my will is. that my sons' land be not
Improved, except by pasturing or mowing, for the Space of five years before they arrire to the age
of twenty one years Successively. And my will is that my sons be put out Apprentices to learn
Convenient trades. And my will is that none of my sons' lands be cleared or Improved which now
lies waste, nor any timber destroyed now growing upon any of their lands, except it be for repairing
& maintaining of fences where any fields are now under Improvement during their non age.
finally, I nominate, Constitute & appoint my loving Brother, Ephnum Hubbell, of sd Stratfield, Sole
Executor of this my last will & testament. Declaring this & no other to be my last will and testis
ment. In witness whereof I have Set my hand & Seal this twenty fourth day of february, Ano
domi 1784-5.
Dani£l Hubbell. [sbal.]
Signed, Sealed, published, pronounced & declared by Daniel Hubbell as his last will & tes-
tament, in presence of us, Ebkkezeb Greoobt, John Beaedsleb, Junb., William Bennitt."
<* At A Court of Probate, held in Fairfield, January ye 12th, A. D. 1735-6, Ebenezer Gregory,
John Beardslee, Junr. & William Bennitt, witnesses to ye Above & foregoing will, personally Ap-
pearing, made Solemn Oath yt they saw Daniel Hubbell, Signer & Sealer to ye above & within written
will Sign & Seal ye same & heard him Declare it to be his la^jt will & Testament & yt ihey Judged
him to l>e of a Sound, Disposing mind, & yi they set to their hands as Witnesses in ye presence of
ye said Testator."
<' At Probate Court, personlly appeared Ephraim Hubbell, ye above named Extr. & Accepted
ye sd trust Committed to him by ye sd Testator, at Probate Court, said will being Exhibited by ye sd
Extr within Named, in order for probation, will being proved, is by sd Court Approved and ordered
to be recorded.
Test, WiLLL^M BuBB, Clerk."
*< Samuel Cooke and Elizabeth Burr, both of Stratfield & of Lawfiill Age, testify & say tliat,
being both tojitether at the House of Capt. Daniel Hubbell, late of sd Stratfield, deceased, on the
second Day of December last, the sd Daniel Hubbell did declare befor the Deponents that he gave to
his Wife & Family, for the use of the Family, the Beef which he had then in the House, and thiee
of the best Hogs, which were then fatting, for the Provision of the Family, and a Sufficient Supply
of Wheat & Indian Com, untill Indian Harvest next coming, also, Oats enough for Malt for his sd
Family's use for the Term aforesd, and also the Butter and Cheese in the house for the use aforesd.
And further, the Deponents say that sd Daniel Hubbell declared the above to be his Nuncupative
Will, in addition to his written Will, and desired the Deponents to be the Witnesses thereof. And
further, the sd Deponents declare that they Judged the sd Testator, at the sd Time, to be of Sound
mind & memory.'
)>
"At a Court of Probate, held in Fairfield, January 27, 1785-6, Mr. Saml. Cooke & fOiimbeth
Burr, witnesses to ye Above Nuncupative will, personally appearing, made Oath to ye truth of ye
above written."
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMHY. 65
" At Probate Court, sd will being Exhibited in order for probation, sd will being proved, is
by sd Court Approved & ordered to be Recorded,
Test, William Bubb, Qerk."*
« Stratfield, March 24tb, 178 ). Here followeth ye Dcstribution of ye Estate of Capt. Danl.
Hubbell, late of Stratfield, Deed., ( y us ye Subscribers, qualified thereunto According to Law, and
by order of ye Court of Probate, held in Fairfield, March 24th, 173G.
The Widows thirde in ye Reall Estate is £500-1-0.
to Eleven Acres in Smedley's lot at 16s per Acre, 1C58
to 9 acres in ye homestead beginning about 6 foot South of ye well & running throu to a Stone fence,
sd 9 Acres is ye Southward Side, 15s per Acre 135s
to 10 Acres & half, 126s
to 2 acres of wood land in ye Long lot South of ye twenty rod high way by Nathl. Seeley's, £15.
to £58 6-8, in ye house and bam, with Liberty of Cow Yard, and passing to ye Well,
Mary's part in Moveables is £88, ICs lid.; In Lands £11, 8, 1.
to 149 rods of Land Northwards of Stephen Hubbell's Homestead, at ye upper End; Joyining to
Joseph Hubbell's land, £11 3 1
Tabitha's part in Moveables, £88,16,11 ; In Lands, to 149 rods in ye Orchard Joyning to Mary's,
£11, 3. 1.
In Lands to 149 rod4 in ye Orchard Joyning to Mary's, £11 8 1
Abiah's part In Moveables is £88.; 16.; 11. In ye land to 149 rods in ye Orchard Joyning to
Tabitha's, £11 3 1.
Daniel's part in ye reall Estate is £355 10 0.
to 3 acres on ye South of his Mother's nine Acres, £45
to 8 Acres on ye North of sd 9 acres, £45
to ye remainded of ye Revertion right from Gideon's, 6 acres, } down to ye homstead, £56
to 1 Acre of three Square meadow in Jackson's neck, £15
to 2 & } acres in ye Long lot, £21 10 —
to 1 third of ye Commons, 4
to 7 Acres at Flat Rock at £5 p acre, 35
to ye Second Division Above Flat Rock, . . : £24
to half ye third Division, at ye North End, and all ye fourth, £41 0 0
to £70 in ye house and bam, . , £70
Abel's parts in ye Reall Estate is 305 16 0.
to 12 acres & 25 rods at Pantico a £10 p acre, ... .... £120 0 0
to 10 acres & 45 rods at Sport Hill at £8 10 0 p acres, ...... £87
to 1 acre of Salt meadow in Jackson Neck, £20
to 1 third of ye Commons, £4
to all ye Revertion right in his Grandfather's house & Lands below ye house, £83 8 0
to £20 right in ye house and barn, £20 6 0
to 7 Acres at ye firont of ye first half mile in ye Long lot above flat rock, . £20 17 0
Gideon's Part in ye Reall Estate is £306 16 0.
to 5 Acres yt was David Hubbell's, . . - £65 0 0
to 6 Acres } & rods of line of Reversion right, Lying by ye above five acres, . £55 0 0
to ye remainder of ye land Southward of ye Girl's parts, North of Stephen's, . . £74 10 10
to £4 right in ye Commons, £4 0 0
to £26, 7s, 6d in ye house and bam, £26 7 10
* Copied by the Author fh>m the original Will and Probate Records, now on file In "Fairfield Pro-
bate Court," Fairfield, Connecticut.
66 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
to ye remainded of ye woodland Southard of twenty rod highway, by Nathaniel
Seeley's at ye Southend, £20 10 0
to ye remainder first DlTision of halfmile from AbeVs Northward Above flat rock, to
fifth Diyision and 6th DlTision Above flat rock, £24 00 00
to half ye third Division, £20 0 0
All ye foregoing Sums Destributed us, | s?^^e/Subb1sll, } I>e«tributor8.
A True Copy of ye Original!, Recorded by William Burr, Register."*
STEPHEN HUBBELL, of Stratfield, Fairfield County, Colony of
Connecticut, son of Samuel Hubbell, Senior, and Temperance Preston, was
born in Stratfield Parish, Town of Fairfield, Fairfield County, Colony of
Connecticut, Februarys i6th, 1695-6.
He was a prominent citizen and held many offices of trust. Died in
1792 at an advanced age. His will was proved October ist, same year.
*• In the name of GoJ Amen.
I, Stephen Hubbell, of Siratficld, in the County of farefield. in the colony of connettycut, in
new Englan, being in Helth and parfeck mind and memory, do make this my last will and testament.
First. I give and beqiieth my Sole to God that give it, in hops of pardon & axsepttens throu ye re-
demtion that is in Christ Jewus my lord, and my body I Commit to ye earth to be desently buried,
according to the discrestion of my Exet, hereafter apointed, nothing douting but I shall recive the
sam at ye resurrection by the myti poure of (Jod, and with respects to ye worldly good things which
the Lord heth blest me with, I give, demis and bcqueth them in manner folloing. And first of all,
I order my ju^<t dets and funirel charges to be payd and discharged out of my Estat and by my Extr,
hereafter named, and then after my Just dets be payd and my funirel Chrgis be discharged, I give
and bequeth in manner folloing. First. I give and bequeth all ye children of my son Nehemiah,
dissest, one third part of that Land at painted, to be divided according to quaatyty & q&llity.
And then I give to my son Jabez one third part of that land at painted, to be dirided accord-
ing to quantity and quality, and allso all my movcabil estate of either cattel, money or goods, and then
I give unto ye Children of Gershom, my son, desist, one third part of that land at painted, to be
divided according to quantyty and quality.
Finally I constitut and a point my son, Jabez Hubbell and Daniel Lacey to Be sole Execn
upon this my las will and testiment, Declareing this and no other to be my Last will and testamint,
Dated this present 10 day of may. 178(). Signed, selcd, pubbelished and declard in presens of
GiDEOX HruitELL, 1
John Meekkb, vStepobn Hubbell, [ssAL.]."f
Abkjail Hubbell. J
* Coi»ied by the Author from "Probate Records,'' of FoirlJeld , Connecticut.
t Copied by the Author from the original Will, now on file in " Probate Court, Fairfield, Connecdcat'
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 67
NATHAN HUBBELL, of Norwalk, Fairfield County, Colony of Con-
necticut, son of Samuel Hubbell, Junior, and Elizabeth, his wife, was born
December i, 1699, in Fairfield, Fairfield County, Colony of Connecticut, and
died in what is now Wilton, Connecticut, in 1761. His will was recorded
March 3, same year.
'* In the name of God, Amen. I, Nathan Hubbell, of norwalk, in The County of fairfield and
Colony of Connecticut. Calling to mind the Mortality of my Body, and knowing it is Appointed for
all men once to die, and being of Sound mind and Memory, thanks be to God, Do make and ordain
this my Last Will and Testament ; That is to say, Principally, and first of all. I Commend my Soule
into the Hands of God, who gave it, and my Body to ye Earth, to be decently buried at ye Discre-
tion of my Executors, hoping I shall receiye ye same at the General Resurrection by the Mighty
Power of God. And as touching such Worldly Goods as it hath Pleased God to bless me with in
this Life. I Give, Bequeath, devise, and Dispose of ye same in manner and Form following, that
is to say. My just Debts send Funerall expenses being paid.
Imprimis. I Give and Bequeath unto Sarah, my beloved wife, all ye household goods, viz., a
side-saddle, tongs and tramel, Great Iron Pot, Little Iron Pot, iron kittle, one brass kittle, bred
kittle, warming pan, brass Candle stick, Iron Candle stick. Tankard of ye Puter, a bed and fur-
niture. Chest and drawers, a new bed and furniture without sheets, 7 new sheets, silver shoe
Buckels, one Pair silver Buttons, sugar box, a tea canester, three drinking glasses, Earthenware,
1^, one good Cow and one old sorrell mair, also one good suite of Cloatbs of Bummezee, and Mary
a Middling Suice of Cloaths, also eight bushels of wheat and other Provisions Equal for her use, and
next harvest to have six Bushels more, and Liberty to Live in one half of the house for ye space of
one year Next after my Death, and ye privilidge of Posturing one Cow, and I add ye use of ye
garden, and also out of my Estate within ye space of one year next alter my dicease and allso ye
yarn and ye toe to make filling of aod for ye same, and also ye priviledge of fire wood on any of
my Land.
Item. I give and bequeath unto my well-beloved sons, Thaddeus Hubbell and Nathan Hubbell, each
of them five Pounds, Equevelent to york money, over and above what I give to my other sons.
•
Item. I Give and Bequeath unto my well-beloved daughter, Mary Bates, ye sume of Seven Pounds,
ten shillings, new york money, within ye space of four years after my decease.
Item. I Give and Bequeath unto my well-beloved daughter, Elizabeth Gilbert, the sume of Twenty
Pounds, new york, or ye Equevelent of ye same, within ye space of four years after my death.
Item. I Give and Bequeath unto my well-beloved daughter, Martha Patching, The sume of Fifteen
Pounds, new york money, or ye E4|uevelent of ye same, within ye space of four years after my
death.
Item. I Give and Devise unto my well-beloved sons, Thaddeus Hubbell, Nathan Hubbell, Gershom
Hubbell, John Hubbell, Peter Hubbell, Abraham Hubbell, and to them and to their heirs,
and Assigns forever all ye Residue and Remainder of my Real and Personal Estate, to be
equally divided between them, said Thaddeus Hubbell, Nathan Hubbell, Gershom Hubbell,
John Hubbell Peter Hubbell, and Abraham Hubbell; above named land not to be Ploughed, and
to Reserve a highway near ye middle of my farm Throughout, if need require.
Finally, I do hereby Nominate, Constitute and appoint my sd sons, Thaddeus Hubbell, Nathan
Hubbell, Jun., both of Norwalk, executors of this, my Last Will and Testament, Ratifying; and
Confirming this and no other to be my Last Will.
68 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this third day of February,
Annado, 1761, and in the first year of ye reign of King George, the third,
Nathan Hubbell, [seal.]
her
Sarah -^ Hubbell, [seal.]
mark.
Signed, Sealed, Published, and declared by Nathan Hubbell, ye Testator, to be his Last Will
and Testament, in ye presence of
Sam'l Betts,
Ubiah Rogers,
John Rockwell."*
ANDREW HUBBELL, of Stratford, Fairfield County, Colony of Con-
necticut, son of James Hubbell and Patience, his wife, was bom in Strat-
ford, Connecticut, June 22, 1706.
He moved, with his father and son, Matthew, to what is now called
Easton, Connecticut, and died there in 1777. His will was recorded August
5th, same year.
** In the Name of God, Amen. I, Andrew Hubbell, of Stratford, in the County of Fairfield &
Colony of Conetecutt, in New England.
Calling to Mind my own Mortallity, see cause to Make this my last will and Testament, in
maner And form as follows : imprimis. I recomend My Soul to God who gave it, hoping for acceptance
with him, through Jesus Christ, the only Mediator Between God and Men, and my Body I Commit to
dust, from whence it was taken, to be buried at the descretion of my Executors, hereafter to be
named, and as for the Portion of worldly Goods which God has given. After my just Debts and funerall
Expenses being Paid out of Estate, the residue I give and Bequeath in the following manner :
1. I giTC and bequeath to my true and loTing wife, Mary Hubbell, all my MoTeable Estate, to be
her's and. her Heir's forever, and also the use of my house and bam And homestead during the
time of my widow.
2. I give and bequeath to my well-beloved son, Elijah HubbeU, five shillings, lawfull money.
3. I give and bequeath to my well-beloved daughter, Jerusba Seeley, and to the Heirs of my
daughter, Hannah Beers, deceased, Twenty shillings, lawfull to each.
4. I give and bequeath to my three daughters, Abiah Woodcock, Mary Northrup and Rhoda Benet,
five pounds lawftil money, each to be paid by my Executors, at my decease,.
5. I give and bequeath to my well-beloved son, Matthew Hubbell, one Serten pese of land, bounded
west on his own land, running east foreteen rods on his way, thence running norCh to lands
belonging To Thomas hawley.
6. I give to my well-beloved Grandson, Gideon Summers Hubbell, my house and Bam and six
Acres of land Acyoining Northard and westward, if he lives to be Twenty-one years of age, and
if not ariv to that age. The aforesd house and bam land is to be my Two Sons Pamach and
Matthew and heirs forever.
7. I give and bequeath to my two sons, Pamach and Matthew, all my lands that is left at Hy
decease.
* Copied by the Author from original will, now on file in " Probate Court, Fairfield, Conn."
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 69
Lastly, I appoint and Constitute my well-beloved Sons, Pamach and Matthew Hubbell,
Executors of this, my last will and Testament, hereby Disanuling all former Wills, declare this only
To be my last will and testament, this 3th Day of July, in the year of our Lord, 1777.
Andrew Hubbell, [seal.]
Signed, Sealed and delivered in the presence of
Jonathan Fobd,
Henbt Bradford,
David Gorham."*
JOHN HUBBELL, of Stratford, ( Huntington, Upper White Hills,)
Fairfield County, Connecticut, son of Richard Hubbell and Abigail Thomp-
son. Was born in that part of Stratford now called Huntington, Upper
White Hills, Fairfield County, Colony of Connecticut, February 20, 1709,
and died May 7, 1782.
His will will interest his descendcnts and is given in full :
*' In the name of God, Amen. I, John Hubbell, of Stratford, being in a poor State of Health,
but, through the Goodness of God, of Sound Mind and Memory, think best, at this time, to make
this my Last Will and Testament, and, first of all, resign my soul into the hands of God who gave it,
hoping, in the mercy of God and through the merits and intcrsession of Jesus Christ, my only
Saviour and redeemer, to find Pardon and acceptance, and my Body to return to the Dust, from
whence it was taken, to be decently Buried, at the discretion of my Executors, hereafter Named,
and as to what Worldly Goods and Estate it bath pleased God to bless me with, I freely dispose of the
same in manner following :
Imprimis. My Will is that all my Just Debts and funeral expenses be first paid and satisfied out of
moveable Estate.
Item. I freely Give unto my Loving Wife, Hannah Hubbell, all my Household Goods, also two CJows
and my two year old baye Mare, to be her own forever, and that to be taken before my debts are
paid ; I do also give to y said Wife the use and improvement of one third part of my Reall
Estate, during the time she shall remain my Widdow.
Item. Whereas, son Elisha Hubbell, having had considerable given him by Uncle Elisha Wheeler,
late deceased, I do freely give to my Said son, Elisha Hubbell, and to his Heirs forever, four
Acres of Land, bounded North and West on highway and East on Land this day made over by
Deed to my son John, and to run so far South as to make Said four Acres.
Item. I freely give and Bequeath unto my living son, Gideon Hubbell and his Heirs forover, about
five Acres of Land, called the Peach Orchard, bounded South on Timothy Hubbeirs Land and
running West so as to have two rods wide between this T^and and Caleb Wheeler's land Joining
eastly by the Wet meadowH, so called.
Item. I Freely give and Bequeath unto my Son, Richard Hubbell, and to his Heirs forever, two small
Lots of Land lying east of the Highway near where I now live, about seven or eight acres,
bounded westward and Southward on highway and northward on the Land of Nathan Hubbell.
Item. I give unto daughter Sarah Thompson, Wife to Abel Thompson, besides what she hath already
had, Ten Shillings, Lawfull Money.
Item. I give to my daughter, Hannah Patterson, Wife of Samuel Patterson, besides what she already
has had. Ten Shillings, Lawfull Money.
• Copied by the Author from "Fairtleld Probate Records," Fairfield, Connecticut.
70 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
Item. I give to my daughter, Abigail Ilubbell, Seventy-five Pounds, Lawftill Money.
Item. I give to my daughter, Ann Hubbell. Twenty-five Pounds, Lawilill Money.
Item. I freely give and bequeath unto my four sons, and to their Heirs forever, namely, Timothy
Hubbell, Gideon Hubbell, Richard Hubbell and John Hubbell, all the residue and remainder of
my Estate, Real and Personal, they paying an equal proportion of all my debts and Legacies,
and the same to be divided between roy said four sons aforesaid, in such manner and proportion
as to make them all equal, including and reckoning all they have already had by Deed. &c.;
this Will, as is given to them or any of them, excepting ray son Gideon, has had two Acre:?, not
to be reckoned, nor any of the Buildings, but the Lands only. And I do hereby Nominate and
appoint my loving Wife, Hannah Hubbell, and my two Sons, Timothy Hubbell and Gideon
Hubbell, to be Executors of this my Will, and I do hereby make Null and void all other and
former Wills by me heretofore mode. Ratifying and confirming this, and this only, to be my last
Will and Testament.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand & Seal this 12th day of March, 1776.
John Hubbell, [skal.]
Signed, Sealed, Published and declared by John Hubbell to be his Last Will and Testament.
In Presence of us.
r Nathan HrsBELL,
Witnesses: \ Abijah Beabdslet,
[Sam'l Adams."*
ELNATHAN HUBBELL, of Bennington, Vermont, son of James
Hubbell and Patience, his wife, was bom in Stratford, Fairfield Count>%
Colony of Connecticut, September 22, 17 17.
He lived in Stratford, Connecticut, and afterwards removed to Vermont
with his family.
His name is to be found on a petition of the inhabitants of Benning-
ton to the king, in 1766.
He was one of the ten rescuers of Remember Baker, who was cap-
tured by Munro and his party, in the interests of the New York land
claimants.f
He died 1788, and is buried in the old burying ground at Bennington*
On his tombstone is the following inscription:
" THE BODY OF ELNATH.YN HUBBELL.
Beside this Monumental stone
Consigned is dust to dust ;
Reader, perhaps a single hour
Shall make this fate thine own.
He departed this life July the 21st, A. D., 1788, aged seTonty-one yean.
He was converted in the sixty-ninth year of his age."
* Copied by the Author from "Ancient Probate Records of Stratford, Connecticut," now in Bridgeport.
Connecti(;ut Probate Court.
t See "Hall's Early History of Vermont/* p. 137.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 71
JEDEDIAH HUBBELL, of Lanesborough, Massachusetts, son of
Peter Hubbell and Katharine Wheeler, was born in Newtown, Fairfield
County, Colony of Connecticut, August 22, 1720, and died in Lanes-
borough, Mass., in 1819. [See Abstracts from "Colonial Records of Con-
necticut/' in Appendix.]
He married his fifth wife when 87 years of age, and lived with her
for twelve years, dying in 18 19.
His obituary is from a Lanesborough paper. —
"DIED, at Lanesborough, on the evening of the 14th inst., Mr. JEDEDIAH HUBBELL. at
the aiyanced age of 99 years. In the character of Mr. Hubbell we have an exhibition of piety,
patriotism and philanthropy rarely to be found. As a father and husband he was kind, affectionate
and attentive ; as a citizen, he possessed and uniformly exhibited an uncommon degree of public
spirit, being ever ready to contribute, to the extent of his ability, for the support of the institutions
«)f his country, society, and the religion which he professed. He was a warm supporter and
defender of the rights and liberties of his country, and those who were his contemporaries in the
revolution might witness for him, that he was one of the foremost in opposing the tyranical laws of
Britain ; and, notwithstanding his age, he was found a volunteer in the camp of his country. But
the religion of Jesus Christ was, in his view, of the greatest importance. He had been a member
of the Presbyterian Church for more than 70 years, and here he was most conspicuous, for he was
truly an ornament to the church of which he was a member, and did highly honor his profession by
a strict regard to honesty in his dealings with his fellow creatures and a careful observance of the
laws and ordinances of the gospel, and always appeared to rejoice when he saw the prosperity of
religion, and to mourn with much grief at its decline. Thus, through a long life, having exhibited
the character of a righteous man and christian, he, in his death, gave ample proofs that this was his
real character. Being in the perfect possession of his rational powers, he viewed his approaching
fate with the greatest composure and resignation, trusting alone in the merits of his Saviour for jus-
tification, and cont«mpMing with wonder and admiration the glorious character of God, he hailed
the King of Terrors, and gladly accepted his message, and quit his tabernacle of iiesh without a
straggle, and we cannot but hope that on the wings of his attendant guardian angel he was forth-
with borne up to the celestial world, to hear the plaudit of his master, and to receive a crown of
eternal happiness and glory. And now let his dear children, who mourn their loss, and the youth
of his acquaintance, reflect, as they would wish ' to die the death of the righteous man,' so let them
learn from example to live his life, that their last end may be like his.
* Prepare us. Lord, for thy right hand.
Then come the joyful day.
Come death and some celestial band.
To bear our souls away.' "
NATHAN HUBBELL, of Nor\valk, Fairfield County. Connecticut,
son of Nathan Hubbell and Martha Finch, was born in Norwalk, April 26,
1727, and died in 1801. His will was recorded April 6, 1801, and is as
follows:
*' In the Name of God, Amen. I, Nathan Hubbell, of Norwalk, in the County of Fairfield,
and State of Connecticut, being in health and of a sound Disposing Mind and Memory, thanks be to
Qod therefore ; but, knowing it is appointed to all men once to Die, do make, ordain, Constitute, and
72 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
appoint this mj Last Will and Testament, and, first of all, I commend My Soul to God who gave it,
and my body to the Earth, to be decently buried, at the discretion of My Executors hereafter named,
nothing doubting but that I shall receiye the same again at the Creneral Resurrection, and as touch-
ing such Worldly Estate as it bath Pleased God to bestow upon and bless me with in this Life. I
giye, bequeath, Devise and Dispose of in the following manner and form. Viz :
Imprimis. I give and be<|ueath unto my well-beloved wife, Anna, the one Half of my Moveable
Estate, to be her own forever, and use and improvement of the whole of my Said moveable
Estate During and so long as she Remains My Widow ; and the use and Improvement of the one-
third part of my Real Estate During her Life.
Item. I give and bequeath to my Daughters, viz., Ellen, Sarah and Anna, Sixty Pounds Lawfiill
Money, Each deducting what they have already Received. Reference will be had to my book
for what they have Received.
Item. I give and Bequeath to my son, Nathan, the Remainder and Residue of my Estate, to be his
own and his Heirs for Ever.
Item. I do hereby Nominate, constitute, make and appoint my well beloved Wife, Anna, and my
son, Nathan, Executors of this, my Last will and Testament. In Testimony Whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and Seal the 28 Day of September, 1795.
Nathan Hubbell, [seal.]
Phebb Mead,
ELI2LABETH SaNFOBD,
Eunice Mead."*
HEZEKIAH HUBBELL, of Fairfield, Fairfield County, Connecticut,
son of Richard Hubbell and Penelope Fayenveather, was bom in Stratfield.
Fairfield County, Colony of Connecticut, February 24th. 1728, and died
July 19th, 1784. His will is as follows:
" In the Name of God, Amen. I, Hezckiah Hubbell, being infirm, sick, and weak in Body,
but of Sound disposing Mind and Memory, calling to Mind my great Frailty and Mortality, and
recommending my Soul to God thro Jesus Christ my Redeemer, and my Body to decent christian
Burial, do make and ordain my last Will and Testament respecting my worldly Estate in Form and
Manner following :
First. It is my Will, and I do hereby Give and Bequeath to Annah, my beloved Wife, all the
Household Furniture belonging to me. to be her own forever, to dispose of for her proper use and
Benefit, as she shall think fit, and also one third Part of all the rest of my personal or moveable
Estate, after my just Debts and funeral Charges are paid ; and it is also my Will that she have the
Improvement of one third part of my Lands or real Estate during her natural Life.
Secondly. It is my Will, and I do hereby give, bequeath and devise all my real Estate to and
among my Children, William, Asa, Aaron, Hezekiah, Ezia, Anna, Parthenia, the Wife of Thomas
Hubbell, and Charity Hubbell, to be divided among them in the following Proportions, that is to say.
that my Sons shall have twice as much as my Daughters, reckoned as advanced Portion in Value to
my Son, William, and to my Daughter, Parthenia, towards their Part, what I have charged to them
upon my Books.
Thirdly. It is my Will, and I do hereby constitute and appoint my beloved Wife, Annah, and
my Sons, Asa and Aaron, to be the Executors of this my last Will and Testament.
• C tpied by the Author from the original, now on file in " Probate Court, Fairfield, Connecticut"
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY. 73
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this Eight day of June, 1784.
• Hezekiah Hubbell, [seal.]
Signed, Sealed, pronounced and declared to be his Last Will and Testament, in Presence of us.
John Nichols, Jr.,
John Strong,
Robert Ross."*
GERSHOM HUBBELL, of Greenfield. Town of Fairfield, Fairfield
County, Connecticut, son of Nathan Hubbell and Martha Finch, was born
in Fairfield County, Colony of Connecticut, July 29, 1729. (See Abstracts
from "Colonial Records of Connecticut" in Appendix.)
From the following notice it would appear that he was not only a
planter but a currier.
"The subscriber takes this method to inform the Public and his old customers, that he carrj'S
on his old trade of seling Dear skin and Breeches, where Any may hare skins or breeches Maid in
the neetest manner, white, yellow, Black or purple Golord, as cheep fir Cash or any kind of produce
as they hav Been Sold this twenty years past, but especially for butter and Cheese or good flax.
Signed, Gershom Hubbell,
Greenfield, September, 1786."t
He resided in a house built by himself in 175 1. This ancient house
is still standing in a remarkable state of preservation, and is a fair speci-
men of the houses in which the earlier members of the Hubbell Family
lived. (See engraving on next page.) It is picturesquely situated at the foot
of " Greenfield Hill." Mrs. Uriah Hubbell and her accomplished daughter
Adelia, are the only residents, and take great pleasure in showing the old
house and its historic contents to members of the family. As it has
always been in the possession of Gershom Hubbell's descendants, ever>^-
thing has been preser\'ed with remarkable care. The old crane, trammels,
and hooks are still in the fire-place of the kitchen. The same high-
backed chairs grace the parlor, and on the walls are to be seen the same
pictures. On the old-fashioned square centre table are to be seen ancient
books, and two or three Bibles of great antiquity containing the family
records. A cordial case of inlaid woods, containing four cut glass bottles
and two cordial glasses, presented to Miss Priscilla Hubbell by her
intended, is still upon the table where she placed it over 'seventy-five
years ago. She was born, lived all her life, and died in* the house in
1868, aged ninety-five years. Her intended was lost at sea, and she
*Copl«<l by the Author from orljflnal now ow file in ' Pr(>bate Court, Fnirfleld, Connecticut."
t From an old paper In p<w8e««Ion of Mrs. I'riiih Hubbell, <»f (Jreenfield, ('(►nnwrticui.
74 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
remained unmarried. Among the other relicts of a past age are to be
seen sets of ancient china, cut glass bowls and goblets, pewter platters
and table dishes, many of which are older than the house itself.
Home spun linen, made in " ye olden time," is still kept in an
antique chest of drawers, and, among the other articles, is to be seen a
linen table cloth woven in i/chd, and to-day as perfect as when it was
made, not having a single patch.
In one of the bed rooms is an ingrain carpet that was brought frpm
England long before the American Revolution ; it is said to be one of the
first imported. Among the ancient household furniture, high post bed
steads, ancient chairs, an old spinning wheel, an old hetchel, an old reel,
an old warming-pan, and some flax are sure to attract attention.
In one of the rooms the famous Doctor Dwight held divine service,
and taught school while his academy on Greenfield Hill was in course of
erection.
At the side of the house is to be seen the old well curb, with its
long hickory sweep, iron chain, and old oaken bucket covered with moss,
from which Gcrshom and his descendants have all drawn water from the
same old well.
The house is shaded by elm, maple and button ball trees, some of
which are over two hundred years old. Not only as one of the few
houses that escaped the fire when Fairfield was burned by the British is
this old house worthy of a visit, but as a specimen of the houses of our
ancestors it will be looked on with veneration by all members of the
Hubbell Family. Gershom died April 14, 1802, and his will was recorded
May 6, the same year.
"In the NAME of GOD, AMEN. I, GERSHOM HUBBELL, of the Town & county of Fair-
field & state of Connecticut, being of a low Btate of health, but of sound mind and memory, calling to
mind my own mortality, and that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this,
my last WILL & TESTAMENT ; & principally and first of all I commit my SOUL to GOD, who gave
it, trusting in his mercy thro the merits of his Son JI;^US CHIIIST, and my BODY I commit to the
Earth, to be decently interred after my decease, believing that it will be raised again at the last day,
and as to my worldly Goods and estate, I give and dispose of in the following manner, (Viz.)
Imprimis. I order all my Just debts and funeral charges to be paid out of my movable estate.
Item. I give and bequeath unto my beloved Wife, Sarah, the use and improvement of all my Real
Estate, so long as she shall continue my Widow ; and also I give to my said Wife, the whole of
my movable estate, to be hers forever, except such part or parts that I shall hereafter give in
this, my last Will, to the persons hereafter to be mentioned.
Item. I give and bequeath to my SON, MOSES, my Brown Mare & two Colts, which are now in his
possession, and also I give to my said son, ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS, to be paid out of my
estate by my Executors hereafter to be mentioned ; & also I give to my said son one half of my
wearing apparel, to be his forever.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 7$
Item. I give unto my Daughter, PRISCILLA, ibe right k priyalidge to use and improve some one
convenient room in my dwelling House, so long as she may remain unmarried, & also the use &
improvement of a convenient part of the garden during said time.
Item. I give & bequeath unto my son, URIAH, th^ one half of my wearing apparel, & also my
Oxen & two Hourses, which I now use as a team, together with all my farming utensels, to be
his forever : & also I give to my said son, Uriah, the use & improvement of a certain ^ot which
I have a lease of from Joel Jennings, for him to use & improve during the time of said lease,
reference being had thereto.
Item. I will & order that at my Widow's marriage or decease, that all my Real Estate, which may
remain after the above Legacies are paid, shall be equally divided between my five youngest
children (Viz.) xMOSES, PRISCILLA, WILLIAM, URIAH and ABRAHAM, to be theirs forever.
Item. I also empower my said WIFE. SARAH, at any time after my decease that she may think
proper, together with the advice and consent of my two sons, MOSES and URIAH, to sell all or
any part of my Real estate and the avails laid out in Lands, where they may think proper, and
then to be equally distributed among my aforesaid five children, and my will and meaning is,
that my said WIFE, SARAH, shall have the use and improvement of my said real estate during
her widow hood.
And finally I ordain & appoint My beloved WIFE, SARAH, and my son, URIAH, executors
of this my last Will & testament, declaring this, & this only, to be my last Will & testament. In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal in Fairfield, this 1st day April, 1802.
Gershom Hubbell, [Seal].
Signed, Sealed, published and declared by the testator to be his last will & testament, in
presents of us.
Joseph Bulklet, Jun.,
Thomas Perrt,
Darius Grant.***
COMFORT HUBBELL, of Newtown, Connecticut, . seventh son of
Peter Hubbell, of Newtown, and his wife, Katharine Wheeler, was born
November lo, 1729, in Newtown.
At a Legal meeting of the Town of Woodbury, September 19, 1775,
he was one of the Committee of Inspection and Observation. These
committees were of great consequence during the Revolution, and had
manifold duties to perform, which they executed without flinching.. (See
**Cothrcn's Ancient Woodbury," p. 187.)
Captain Hubbell was in the Revolutionary War, and died in 1797.
" In the name of (}od, Amen.
I, Comfort Hubbell, of Newtown, in the County of Fairfield, though labouring under bodily
infirmity, yet being of sound and disposing mind and memory, do make and ordain this my Last
Will and Testament in manner and form following, that is to say :
• Copied by the Author from ori>flnal, in " Probate Court of Frtirfleld," Fairfield County, (Connecticut.
76 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
Imprimis, I Will that all my just debts and funeral charges be paid out of my Estate by my
Executors hereafter mentioned, and in the manner hereafter mentioned.
Item. I give and bequeath unto my beloved Wife, Susannah, one Bed, Bedstead and furniture for
the same ; also the Loom I now own, with all the Reeds and Geers, and all other utensils
belonging to the same ; also one roan Mare, which I now own, with my Saddle and Bridle :
and otie Cow and Calf. Also I give and bequeath to my said Wife the use and improvement of
one third part of my Estate, both real and personal, during her natural life, over and above
the foregoing articles. And my Will also is, that my said Wife shall have the use and improve-
ment of one half of my Dwelling house and Cellar during her natural life ; which is not to be
reckoned t# her as part of her dower given as aforesaid.
Item. I give and bequeath unto my son, Mansfield Hubbell, one red white-faced Cow, and Calf by
her side : it being a Cow that has commonly been called Mansfield's Cow, now in my possession.
Item. I give and bequeath to my two sons, Mansfield Hubbell and Ephraim Hubbell, in equal pro-
portion, all my Blacksmith's Tools.
Item. I give and bequeath to my Daughter, Anner, Wife of Isaac. Hatch, Ten pounds lawful money,
to be paid to her within two years after my decease, which said sum may be paid in lands out
of my estate, or in money, as my said Executors shall chuse
Item. 1 give and bequeath to my Daughter Nancy, the wife of Silvanus Stuart, to be paid in manner
aforesaid, Ten pounds. And it is to be understood that the aforesaid sums given to my said
two daughters m to be paid to them in the manner aforesaid out of my estate, over and above
what they have already received.
Item. I give and bequeath to my Daughter, Ruth Hubbell, one Feather Bed. one Bolster, two
pillows, two Coverlids and four Sheets, and fifteen pounds lawful money, to be paid at the
same time and in the same manner as is provided as aforesaid to my other two daughters.
Item. I give and bequeath to my son, Levi C. Hubbell, forty shillings, L. M., to be paid in the
manner aforesaid ; and all the remaining part of my moveable Estate I ^ve and bequeath to my
four sons, viz., Mansfield Hubbell, Ephraim Hubbell, Comfort Hubbell, and Vernon Hubbell, in
equal proportion. And it is to be understood, that the Legacies given to my said three
Daughters in manner aforesaid, is not to be paid out of my moveable estate, but out of my real
estate, provided that my Sons shall not chuse to pay the money out of their own estate, and
keep the lands to themselves.
And as to the rest and residue of my Estate, my Will is, that it shall be divided between my
Seven sons, viz., Lewis Hubbell, John Hubbell, Anson Hubbell, Mansfield Hubbell, Ephraim Hubbell,
Comfort Hubbell, and Vernon Hubbell, in equal proportion. Always provided, and it Li my Will
and pleasure, that the whole of the aforesaid Legacies, and all my just debts, together with the
expenses of settling my estate, be paid out of my landed estate. But in case said Legacies or debt<.
or any part of them, should be paid out of my moveable estate, then and in that case, my four last
mentionnd sons, viz., Mansfield, Ephraim, Comfort and Vernon, are to have so much of my lands,
over and above an e<)ual proportion, as would make them good or sufficient amends for their not
receiving the moveable estate given them as aforesaid.
And I do hereby appoint my said Wife, and my said Son, Lewis Hubbell, Executors of this
my last Will and Testament, giving them full power to sell land out of my estate, so much as will oe
sufficient for the purposes aforesaid.
And I do hereby revoke all former Wills by me made, and declare this and no other to be my
Last Will and Testament .
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal, at Newtown, the 23rd
day of April, 1 797.
CoMFOBT Hubbell. [sbal.]
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 77
Signed, Sealed, published and pronounced bj the said Comfort Hubbell as his last Will and
Testament, who in his presence and in the presence of each other hereunto subscribed our names.
Webb Tomlinson,
Abijah B. Curtis,
David Beebs.*'*
JOHN HUBBELL, of Greenfield, Town of Fairfield, Fairfield County,
Connecticut, son of Nathan Hubbell and Martha Finch, was born in Nor-
walk, Fairfield County, Colony of Connecticut, August loth, 1734.
Was a merchant, and a prominent man in the town.
After the death of his first wife he moved to Southeast, Putnam
County, N. Y., where he died.
His remains repose in the oldest cemetery in Southeast.
His son. Captain Ezekiel Hubbell, of Bridgeport, erected a handsome
white marble tomb stone to his memory bearing the following inscription :
<' In memory of
MR. JOHN HUBBELL,
of Greenfield, A. E. 74 ; who died in Southeast Town,
March 10, 1810."
WALTER HUBBELL, of Stratfield, Fairfield County, Colony of Con-
necticut, son of Richard Hubbell and Penelope Fayerweather, was born in
Stratfield Parish, Fairfield County, Colony of Connecticut, in November,
1736.
He was a large land owner, as is shown by the Fairfield Land Re-
cords.
The following deed from his father is one of the oldest concerning
him on the records.
<' Know all Men these Presents, that I, Richard Hubbell, of Stratfield, in the Ck)unt7 of Fair-
field and Colony of Connecticut, in New England, for and in Consideration of the Natural Love and
Affection which I bare to my beloTed & Dutiful Son, Walter Hubbell, of Stratfield aforesaid, and in
part of ye Portion of my Estate which I intend to bestow upon him, and for other good Causes, me
thereunto moTing Do give, grant, Convey, make over and Confirm unto him, my said son, Walter
Hubbell, and to his Heirs and Assigns forever, one certain piece of Land lying in the Parish of sd
Stratfield, within the Township of Fairfield, it being the same where my sd son now dwells. Contain-
ing nine Acres, be ye same more or less, as the fence now stands, and is bounded Northwesterly
by John Burr's Land ; Southwesterly by my own Land ; Southeasterly by Highway, and North-
• Copied for this work by Liunan Leroy Hubbell, of Danbury, Connecticut, ftova. " Danbury Probate
Kecords," Vol. VII, p. 145.
78 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
easterly by my own Land. Together wHh the House and Bam and Fruit trees being & standing
thereon, To Have and To Hold the above granted & bargained premises with ye appurtenances
thereof unto him, ye sd Walter HubbcU and to his heirs h assigns forever, to this and their own pro-
per u.'*e, benefit & behoof forever, without any Lot, Claim or Molestation, from me, my Heirs, Execu-
tors, Administrators, or from any other person or persons, by, from, or under me or them.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 27th November, 1769.
ricuard hubbell, [sral.]
Fairfield Coustt.
On ye Date & Day Above, Personally Appeared, Richard Hubbell, Signer & Sealer to the above
Instrument, and Acknowledged the same to be his free act & deed. Before me, John Burr, Justice of
Peace.
John Burr,
Skth Bulkley.
A true copy of the Original Record, >'ov. 28th, 1769.
P. N. BCLKLET,
Register."*
The following is copied from the X' Fairfield Gazette and Itidependeni
hitelligence of Thursday, February 15th, 1787," and may interest his des-
cendants.
♦'Whereas, on the 11th of January inst., there was published in i\i'^ Fairfield Qaztiit. ^Ti
advertisement signed Walter Hubbell, setting forth that some time in the Month of November last,
past, the subscriber levied several Executions in Favor of Mr. Frederick Rhynelander against said
Hubbell, on his Stock then in his yard; — Mr. Hubbell immediately sent his son out to the subscriber
to solicit him to release said Slock, and request him to take sundry Notes of Hand, which the sub-
scriber complied with, in order to favor Mr. Hubbell, all which Notes in the Subscriber's Hands, Mr.
Hubbell wished to have applied in Payment of said Executions, and his express Promise was to
endeavour to do the same by applying to Andrew Rowland, Esq., Attorney to said Rhynelander, and
the Subscriber engaged on his part to wait till the last day of the Executions before he levied upon
the Notes ; but the very next morning Mr. Hubbell, instead of fulfilling his promise, receipted most
of the Notes in full, and the subscriber willing to afford all the aid possible in extricating Mr. Hub-
bell out of his then present difficulty as far as was consistent with his Office, waited till the last day
before he levied, according to Promise — then posted said Notes according to Law, at the Expiration
of which Time the Sale came on. The subscriber still felt for Mr. Hubbell, and anxious to get as
much for the Notes as possible, adjourned the Vendue to a considerable Time forward ; — at length the
Day of Sale came, and the Notes were publickly Sold as the Law required to the highest bidder, and
amounted to the sum of JE104, 14s, 8d. Lawful Money. But previous hereto Mr. Hubbell advertised
and warned the several Persons from whom said Notes were due, not to a pay single Shilling of
the Money due on either of said Notes, without his express Order ; and that any Person that pre-
sumes to bring any Action in his Name, on any of those Notes, may depend on being prosecuted, as
may be seen at large in his advertisement, of the 11th ultimo.
The following Letter will also shew the Absurdity and Inconsistency of the Man, Which the
Subscriber begs Leave to copy from the original Verbatum :
♦ Copied by the Author from " Fairtield Lund Records."
t Printed by Miller, Forgue and Bulkelcy, Original now in the possession of Mrs. Abraham Benson,
of Fuiraeld, Conuecticui.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 79
* Stbatfield, December 29th, 1786.
Sis : Holburton tells me that you bid ofif his note for 408. If you will let me have the Note, I
will pay you that Sam and pay you for your goods. Holburton' s Notes and Rowland's are clear ;
the other three have not forty Shillings due on them all, if you will let me have Holburton's, I wish
you to send a Line Back by my son Josiah, from yours, &c.,
To Mr. Israel Bibbins. Walter Hubbell.'
But to proceed further, Mr. Hubbell charges the Subscriber with a Breach of Trust, and in
Justice to himself and Creditors, forbids him to sit still and suffer such Conduct on the part of the
Subscriber, to pass unnoticed. When the Subscriber views the Sequel, it fills him with surprise,
that he should so daringly attempt to villify his Character, in asserting for Facts, Things which never
existed in Idea. The Subscriber now publishes the Facts and true State of the Affair, that the Pub-
lic may judge whether he has not acted the fair, honest, and candid Part with Mr. Hubbell, he ap-
peals to every honest Heart for Solution herein. What induced Mr. Hubbell to publish such a
notorious falsehood — such a Breach of Trust — a Charge of a very high handed Nature — he cannot
say. It certainly must arise from a dangerous and wicked Disposition — but in Vindication of him-
self. Justice demands ample Satisfaction for the Abuse and ill-treatment met within the whole Course
of his Proceedings. Mr. Hubbell' s conduct Cannot bear Kxaminat ion, it appears so manifestly in-
consistent, that it not only deserves the Frowns of the Subscriber, but the Publiok in general.
Israel Bibbins,
Fairfield, January 22d, 1787."
SILAS HUBBELL, of Montgomery, Hampden County, Massachu-
setts, son of Peter Hubbell, of Newtown, Connecticut, and Katharine
Wheeler, his wife, was born in Newtown, Fairfield County, Colony of Con-
necticut, February 24th, 1738.
On June i6th, 1763, he married Elizabeth Edmond, in Southberry,
Connecticut. Was a resident of South Britian, Connecticut, in 1771.
During the War of the Revolution, Captain Hubbell took an active
part in many battles, among which may be mentioned the battles of Lexing-
ton and Bunker Hill ; in the latter battle he took from the field a musket
that had been used by a British soldier, it was of the kind known as a
** Queen Ann Arm." Although an officer, he used it during the battle,
and kept it until his death as a trophy. Was on Long Island with Gene-
ral Washington, and fought in five of the General's famous battles.
Was also in a number of battles under General Putnam.
Was one of the party who assisted the men who, after disguising
themselves as Indians, threw the tea into Boston Harbor.
During the war he sold his property near Woodbury, Connecticut,
and with the money thus obtained, bought shoes, blankets and clothing,
for the men under his command, in order that his company might remain
in the field. At the close of the war he was repaid in Continental money,
which proved worthless.
8o HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY,
In 1 78 1, Captain Hubbell was living in Montgomery, Massachusetts,
where his wife, Elizabeth, died July 7th, 1783, leaving him with six chil-
dren, three sons and three daughters. In 1785, he married Mrs. Hannah
Wheeler, a widow, (nee French.) (Mrs. Wheeler had also six children, five
sons and one daughter, by her first husband.) After residing in Mont-
gomery until 1796, Captain Hubbell moved with his family, including his
three younger sons by his wife, Hannah, to Unadilla, Delaware County,
New York, where, in a year or two, he had the misfortune to lose by
death, his wife.
In 1800, Captain Hubbell returned to his former home in Mont-
gomery, Massachusetts. While on a visit to the neighboring town of
Norwich, (Massachusetts), he was attacked with obstruction of the bowels.
He had been suffering for several years from the effects of exposure during
the Revolution, and was not at the time of this illness in the enjoyment
of good health. The old army surgeon who attended him, administered
160 grains of calomel ; this failing to have the desired effect, he adminis-
tered does of quicksilver during the night which seemed to aflR>rd no
relief, for on the following day, August 27th, 1805,- he expired. His
remains repose beside those of his first wife, Elizabeth, in the old grave
yard, near the Norwich Bridge, a mile and a half from Huntington, Massa-
chusetts.
In appearance Captain Hubbell was tall, (six feet and one quarter of
an inch in his stockings), and very erect, eyes dark blue, hair dark bro\t'n.
verv thick, and inclined to curl.
He was a man of great natural ability, and superior conversational
powers. Having parted with his property for his country's good, he was
wont to say that he had no legacy to leave his children but an honored
name, and a country for which he had fought and bled, that it might be
free.
JABEZ HUBBELL, of Fairfield, Fairfield County, Connecticut, son of
David Hubbell and his wife, Martha, was bom in Fairfield, Fairfield Count}',
Colony of Connecticut, in 1739, and died 18 17.
His will was recorded July 7th, 18 17, and is as follows:
<* Know all bj these presents, that I, Jabez Hubbell, of the Town and County of Fairfidd,
being weak i^d low in bodily health, but of sound and disposing mind and memory, do make and
ordain this, my last Will and Testament, viz. :
In the first place, I order and direct all my just debts and funeral charges to be paid out of
my personal Estate by my Executors hereafter named.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 8i
J also give and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Rhoda, and my daughter, Sarah, each a
mourning Suit in addition to what I hereafter give them in this, my Will.
I also give and bequeath unto my beloved wife, to her and her heirs and assigns, after pay-
ment of my Debts, one-third part of the remainder of my personal Estate. I also give, bequeath
and devise unto my said beloved wife the use and improvements of the whole of my real Estate
during the time she shall remain my Widow, and in ease my said Wife shall marry again, then
from the hour she shall marry I give, bequeath <& devise unto her the use and improvement of
one-third part only of my real Estate during the remainder of her natural life— to be in full and in
lieu of her Dower in my Estate.
I also give and bequeath unto my Son, James Hubbell, in addition to what I shall here-
after in this my Will give him, a mourning suit.
I give, bequeath and devise the remainder of my Estate, both real and personal, of every
kind, to my said son James, and my said Daughter, Sarah, to them and their heirs and assigns
forever, to be equally divided between them.
Finally I hereby constitute and appoint my beloved Wife, Rhoda, Executrix, of this, my
last Will and Testament, by me made, and declaring this, and no other, to be my last Wiii ^^^
Testament.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal in said Fairfield, the 3d day of
January, 1798.
Jabez Hubbell, [seal.]
Signed, Sealed, published and declared by the Testator to be his last Will and Testament,
in presence of
Elijah Abel,
John Squibe, Jun.
Isaac Burr."*
RICHARD HUBBELL, of Newfield (now Bridgeport), Fairfield County,
Connecticut', son of Richard Hubbell and Penelope Fayerweather, was born
in Stratfield Parish, Town of Fairfield, Fairfield County, Colony of Connecti-
cut, in 1742.
He was a merchant, in partnership with his father and brother Amos,
and gave the greater part of his fortune to buy food and clothing for the
soldiers of the Revolution, for which he was paid in Continental money.
He died in New York City, July i6th, 1829, and is buried in the ancient
Stratfield Burying Ground, Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Mr. Hubbell was the great-grandson of Richard Hubbell the First, our
•' Emigrant Ancestor," and was the fourth in a direct line to bear the name
of Richard.
His son Richard, known as " Richard the Fifth," was lost at sea in
1811.
AMOS HUBBELL, of Newfield (now Bridgeport), Fairfield County,
Connecticut, son of Richard Hubbell and Penelope Fayerweather, was born
• Copied by the AuUior from original, now on file in " Fairfield Probate Court."
6
82 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY,
in Stratfield Parish, Town of Fairfield, Fairfield County, Colony of Con-
necticut, December 3d, 1746.
Captain Hubbell was engaged in the West Indies and Boston coasting
trade with his father and Brother Richard, and was a member of the firm
of Richard Hubbell & Son, merchants. He was an active Whig during the
Revolution, was the first man to sign a petition asking that Bridgeport be
made a borough, and was elected first warden of the borough after the
incorporation.
He was a very prominent man, and held in great esteem by the entire
community.
He is buried in the ancient Stratfield Burying Ground, and the fol-
lowing inscription on his tomb marks his resting place, and commemo-
rates the death of his sons. (For further particulars concerning him, see
biographical sketch of his father, on page 58.)
'< This stone is erected in memoiy of
CAPTAIN AMOS HUBBELL,
who died July 2nd, 1801,
aged 55 years.
Which also records the death of his two sons,
AMOS AND WILSON,
The former of whom died at the Havannah,
on the 15th day of October, 1796,
aged 18 years.
And the latter was despoiled of his life whilst in the proper discharge of the duties of
his profession, by an unprincipled officer of a French privateer, who, deaf to the
claims of justice, and the cries of humanity, plunged the sufferer into the
ocean and left him to perish in the waves,
on the 5th day of April, 1799,
aged 26 years.
When sweet content serenely smiles around.
Like a fair summer evening, oh, how soon,
The charming scene is lost, the deepening shades
Prevail, and night approaches dark and sad,
Till the last beam, faint glimmering, dies away."
DAVID HUBBELL, of Fairfield, Fairfield County, Connecticut, son of
David Hubbell, and Martha, his wife, was born 1748.
Mr. Hubbell was a prominent man in the town of Fairfield, held many
public offices, and was a man of sterling integrity. He was active in the
Revolution, and rendered valuable service in the furtherance of the Inde-
pendence of the United States.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY, 83
JOHN HUBBELL, of Huntington, "Upper White Hills/' Fairfield
County, Connecticut, son of John Hubbell and Hannah Wheeler, was
bom in Huntington (formerly Stratford), Connecticut, in 1749.
He was a planter, and a well known citizen of his native town, where he
died September i8th, 1822, deeply regretted by a large circle of friends and
relatives.
DANIEL HUBBELL, Junior, of Fairfield, Fairfield County, Connec-
ticut, son of Daniel Hubbell and Sarah Gregory, was born in Stratfield, Fairfield
County, Colony of Connecticut, in 1750, and died in 1778. The inscription
on his tombstone in the Stratfield Burying Ground, is as follows :
" DANIEL HUBBELL, Jr.,
Died 12 January, 1778.
EPITAPH.
Young mourners, all that see me die.
Must quickly follow me.
Come and see me where I lie,
A mouldering in the earth.''
His will was admitted to probate February 15th, 1778, and is as follows t
"September 15th, 1777. In tlie Name of God, Amen. I, Daniel Hubbell. Junr., of
Fairfield, being sick and weak in Body, but of sound disposing Mind and Memory, recommending
my Soul to Gk>d thro' Christ my Redeemer, and my Body to decent Burial, at the Discretion of my
Christian Friends, make and ordain my last Will and Testament in Form and Manner following.
First It is my Will that all my just Debts and funeral Charges, including Tomb Stone, to
be procured in convenient Time, to be paid out of my Estate.
Secondly. It is my Will, and I do hereby give and bequeath to Anne, my beloved Wife,
all my Household Furniture excepting my wearing Apparel ; also I give and bequeath to her
twenty-iive Pounds lawful Money, and one of my best swine.
Thirdly. It is my Will and pleasure, and I do hereby give and beque^ith all the rest of my
Estate to my two Brothers, Onesimus Hubbell and Thaddeus Hubbell, to be equally divided
between them.
Finally, I do constitute and appoint Anne, my beloved Wife, to be the Executrix of this,
my last Will and Testament, declaring this, and this only, to be my last Will and Testament.
Daniel Hubbell, [seal.]
Signed, sealed, pronounced and declared to be his last W^ill and Testament, in presence of
OB, the day above written.
Gideon Hubbell,
Seth Seeley,
Robert Ross.'**
* Copied by the Author from the original, now on file in " Probate Court, Fairfield, Counecticut."
84 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
WOLCOTT HUBBELL, of Lanesborough, Berkshire County, Massa-
chusetts, son of Matthew Hubbell and Abigail Hawley, was bom in Wood-
bury, Connecticut, in 1754.
He moved, when about fifteen years of age, with his &ther. Captain Matthew
Hubbell, to Lanesborough, Massachusetts.
At the age of tM-enty, he married Miss Mary Curtis, also a native of
Woodbury.
He fought at the battle of Bennington, in the Revolutionary War.
Was afterwards State Senator for Massachusetts, and for many years
Judge of one of the Courts of Berkshire County. He died in 1839.
SALMON HUBBELL, of Bridgeport, Fairfield County, Connecticut,
son of Thaddeus Hubbell and Ruth Betts, was bom in Norwalk, Fairfield
County, Colony of Connecticut, in 1754.
He enlisted in the Continental Army, July 6th, 1775.
In 1779 h^ received the following commission, and in 1792 was made a
member of the Society of the Cincinnati, as shown by his certificate of
membership.
He is buried in the Mountain Grove Cemetery, Bridgeport, Connecticut.
"The United States of America, in Congress Assembled: To Salmon Hul>bell, Gentleman,
Greeting : We, reposing especial trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and
Fidelity, Do by these presents constitute and appoint you to be a Lieutenant in the No. 5tli, Con-
necticut regiment, in the Army of the United States, to take rank as such from the 19th day of
April, 1779. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a Lieutenant, by
doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging. And we strictly chai^ and
require all Officers and Soldiers under your command, to be obedient to your orders as Lieutenant.
And you are to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time, as you shall
receive from this, or a future Congress of the United States, or Cbn>mittee of Congress for that
purpose appointed, a Committee of the States, or Commander-in-Chief for the time being of the
Army of the United States, or any other, your superior Officer, according to the rules and discipline
of War, in pursuance of the trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue in force until
revoked by this, or a future Congress, the Committee of Congress before mentioned, or a Committee
of the States.
Entered in the War Office, and examined by the Board.
L. Scull,
Secretary of the Board of War.
Witness his Excellency. John Jay, Esq., President of the Congress of the United States of
America, at Philadelphia, the 4th day of June 1779, and in the third year of our Independence.
John Jay."*
* From the uriginal, in possession of John William Hubbell, of Wilton, Connecticut.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 85
" Certificate of .Membership of the Society of the Cincinnati. Be it known that Salmon
Hubbell, late Lieat. of the 5th Continental Ridg. of the American Army, is a Member of the Society
of the Cincinnati, instituted by the Officers of the American Army at the Period of its Dissolution,
as well to commemorate the great events which gave Independence to NOBTH AMERICA, as
for the purpose of incnlcating the Duty of laying down in Peace, Arms assumed- in public
Defence, and uniting in acts of brotherly affection and Bonds of perpetual Friendship, the
Members constituting the same.
In Testimony whereof, I, the President of the said Society, have hereunto set my Hand at
Mount Vernon, in the State of Virginia, the twenty-third day of April, in the year of our Lord,
one thousand seven Hundred and Ninety-Two, and in the Sixteenth year of the Independence
of the United States.
By Order J. Knox, Secretary.
Geo. Washington."*
" In Memory of
SALMON HUBBELL,
A Patriot and Soldier of the Revolution. He was a Lieutenant in the 5th Continental Regiment
of the American Army, and served his country with singular devotion and courage during the
whole period of the arduous struggle for Independence. He died March Ilth, 1830, in the 76th
year of his age, Honored, Revered, Beloved, Lamented. Vain were it to inscribe a record of his
life upon this marble. Stony Point, Monmouth and Yorktown attest his bravery as a soldier. The
remembrance of his unaffected piety and benevolence is living in the hearts of his friends."f
WILLIAM HUBBELL, of near Georgetown, Kentucky, son of Hez-
ekiah Hubbell and Anne Patterson, was born in Fairfield, Fairfield County,
Colony of Connecticut, July 24th, 1755.
Captain Hubbell was in the Revolutionary War. He emigrated to Ken-
tucky in 1 79 1, and settled near Georgetown, where he died, in 1830.
The following account of his battle with Indians on the Ohio River,
is interesting :
"In the year 1791, when the Indians were very troublesome on the banks of the Ohio, Cap-
tain William Hubbell, Mr. Daniel Light, Mr. William Plascuc, Mrs. Plascut and eight children
embarked in a flat-bottom boat to proceed down the Ohio.
On their progress down the river, and soon aAer passing Pittsburgh, they saw evident traces
of Indians along the banks, and there is every reason to believe that a boat which they overtook,
and which, through carelessness, was suffered to run aground on an island, became a prey to these
merciless savages. Though Captain Hubbell and his party waited some time for it in a lower part
of the river, it did not arrive, and has never to their knowledge been heard of since. Before they
reached the mouth of the Great Kenhawa, they had, by several successive additions, increased their
number to twenty, consisting of nine men, three women, and eight children. The men, besides
those mentioned above, were one John Stoner (also an Irishman and a Dutchman, whose names
are not recollected), Messrs. Ray and Tucker, and a Mr. Kilpatrick, whose two dau^^hters also
were of the party. Information received at Galliopolis confirmed the expectation, which appear-
• From the original, in pof.srssion of Joiin William Hubbell. of Wilton, Conncclicut.
t From bis toiubetoDv in Mouutain Ctrovo Cemetery, Bridgeport, Connecticut.
86 HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY.
aDcefl previously raised, of a serious conflict with a large body of Indians; and as Captain Hubbell
had been regularly appointed commander of the boat, every poHsible preparation was made for
a formidable and successful resistance of the anticipated attack. The nine men were divided
into three watches for the night, which were alternately to continue awake, and be on the look-
out for two hours at a time. The arms on board, which con^iisted princifially of old muskets, much
out of order, were collected, loaded, and put in the best possible condition for service. About sun-
set on that day. the 23d of March, 1791, the party overtook a fleet of six boats descending the river
in company, and intended to continue with them, but as their passengers seemed to be more dis--
posed to dancing than fighting, and as soon aAer dark, notwithstanding the remonstrances of Cap-
tain Uubbell, they commenced fiddling and dancing instead of preparing their arms and taking the
necessary rest preparatory to battle, it was wisely considered more harzardous to be in such com-
pany than to be alone. It was therefore determined to proceed rapidly forward by the aid of the
oars, and leave those thoughtless fellow-travelers behind. One of the boats, however, belonging
to the fleet, commanded by a Captain Greathouse, adopted the same plan, and for a while kept up
with Captain Hubbell, but all its crew at length falling asleep, that boat also ceased to be propelled
by the oars, and Captain Uubbell and his party proceeded steadily forward alone. Early in the
night a canoe was dimly seen floating down the river, in which were probably Indians reconnoi-
tering, and other evident indications were observed of the neighborhood and hostile intentions of
a formidable party of savages.
It was now agreed, that should the attack, as was probable, be deferred till morning, every
man should be up before dawn, in order to make as great a show as possible of mmibers and of
strength ; and that, whenever the action should take place, the women and children should lie
down on the cabin floor, and be protected as well as they could by the trunks and other baggage,
which might be placed around them. In this perilous situation they continued during the night,
and the Captain, who had not slept more than one hour since he left Pittsburgh, was too deeply
impressed with the imminent danger which surrounded him to obtain any rest at that time.
Just as daylight began to appear in the east, and before the men were up and at their posts,
agreeably to arrangement, a voice at some distance below them, in a plaintive tone, repeatedly
solicited them to come on shore, as there were some white persons who wished to obtain a passage
in their boat. This the Captain very naturally and correctly concluded to be an Indian artifice,
and its only eflfect was to rouse the men, and place every one on his guard. The voice of entreaty
was soon changed into the language of indignation and insult, and the sound of distant paddles
announced the approach of the savage foe. At length three Indian canoes were seen through the
mist of the morning rapidly a]>proaching. With the utmost coolness the Captain and his compan-
ions prepared to receive them. The chairs, tables, and other incumbrances were thrown into the
river, in order to clear the deck for action. Every man took his position, and was ordered not to
fire till the savages had approached so near that (to use the words of Captain Hubbell) " the flash
from the guns might singe their eye-brows ;" and a special caution was given that the men should
fire successively, so that there might be no interval. On the arrival of the canoes, they were found
to contain about twenty-five or thirty Indians each. As soon as they had approached within the
reach of musket-shot, a general fire was given from one of them, which wounded Mr. Tucker
through the hip so severely that his leg hunij only by the flesh, and shot Mr. Light just below his
ribs. The three canoes placed themselves at the bow, stern, and on the right side of the boat, so
that they had an opportunity of raking in every direction. The fire now commenced from the
l>oat, and had a powerful eflect in checking the confidence and fury of the Indians. The Captain,
al^er firing his own gun, took up that of one of the wounded men, raised it to his shoulder, and
was about to discharge it, when a ball came and took away the lock ; he coolly turned ronnd^ seiied
a brand of fire from the kettle which served for a caboose, and applying it to the pan, discharged the
piece with effect.' A very regular and constant fire was now kept up on both sides. The Captain
was just in the act of raising hLs gun a third time, when a ball passed through his right arm, and
for a moment disabled him. Scarcely had he recovered from the shock and re-acquired the use of
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 87
his hand, which had been suddenly drawn up by the wound, when he observed the Indians in one
of the canoes just about to board the boat in its bow. where the horses were placed belonging to the
party. So near had they approached that some of them had actually seized with thtir hands the
side of the boat. Severely wounded as he was, he caught up a pair of horsemen's pistols and rushed
forward to repel the attempt at boarding. On his approach the Indians fell back, and he discharged
a pistol with effect at the foremost man. After firing the second pistol he found himself without
arms, and was compelled to retreat ; but stepping t)ack on a pile of small wood which had been
prepared for burning in the kettle, the thought struck him that it might be made use of in repelling
the foe, and he continued for some time to strike them with it so forcibly and actively, that they
were auable to enter the boat, and at length he wounded one of them so severely that with a yell
they suddenly gave way. All the canoes then discontinued the contest, and directed their course to
Captain Great house's boat, which was in sight. Here a striking contrast was exhibited to the firm-
ness and intrepidity which had been displaye<l. Instead of resisting the attack, the people on
board of this boat retired to the cabin in dismay. The Indians entered it without opposition, and
rowed it to the shore, where they killed the Captain and a lad of about fourteen years of age. The
women they placed in the centre of their canoes, and manning them with fresh hands, again pur-
sued Captain Hubbell and party. A melancholy alternative now presented itself to these brave
but almost desponding men, either to fall a prey to the savages themselves, or to run the risk of
shooting the women, who had been placed in the canoes in the hope of deriving protection from
their presence. But *' self-preservation is the first law of nature," and the Captain very justly
remarked, there would not be much humanity in preserving their lives at such a sacrifice, merely
that they might become victims of savage cruelty at some subsequent period.
There were now but four men left on board of Captain Uubbell's boat, capable of defending
it, and the captain himself was severely wounded in two places. The second attack, however, was
resisted with almost incredible firmness and vigor. Whenever the Indians would rise to fire, their
opponents would frequently give them the first shot, which in almost every instance would prove
fatal. Notwithstanding the disparity of numbers, and the exhausted condition of the defenders of
the boat, the Indians at length appeared to despair of success, and the canoes successively retired
to the shore. Just as the last one was departing, Captain Hubbell called to the Indian, who was
standing in the stern, and on his turning round, discharged his piece at him. When the smoke,
which for a moment obstructed the vision, was dissipated, he was seen lying on his back, and
appeared to be severely, perhaps mortally wounded.
Unfortunately the boat now drifted near to the shore, where the Indians were collected, and
a large concoarse, probably between four and five hundred, were seen rushing down on the bank.
Ray and Plascut, the only men remaining unhurt, were placed at the oars, and as the boat was not
more than twenty yards from the shore, it was deemed prudent for all to lie down in as safe a
position as possible, and attempt to push forward with the utmost practical rapidity. While they
continued in this situation, nine balls were shot into one oar, and ten into the other, without
wounding the rowers, who were hidden from view, and protected by the side of the boat and the
blankets in its stem. During this dreadful exposure to the fire of the savages, which continued
about twenty minutes, Mr. Kilpatrick observed a particular Indian, whom he thought a favorable
mark for his rifle, and, notwithstanding the solemn warning of Captain Hubbell, rose to shoot him,
he immediately received a ball in his mouth, which pa.ssed out at the back part of hb head, and
was almost at the same moment shot through the heart. He fell among the horses that about the
same time were killed, and presented to his afflicted daughters and fellow-travelers, who were wit-
nesses of the awful occurrence, a spectacle of horror which we need noi further attempt to describe.
The boat was now providentially and suddenly carried out into the middle of the stream,
and taken by the current beyond the reach of the enemy's balls. Our little band redu< ed as they
were in numbers, wounded, afflicted, and almost exhausted by fatigue, were still unsubdued in
spirit, and being assembled in all their strength, men, women, and children, with an appearance
of triumph, gave three hearty cheers, calling the Indians to come on again, if they were fond of
the sport.
/
/
88 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
Thus ended this awful conflict, in which out of nine men, two only escaped unhurt. Tucker
and Kilpatrick were killed on the spot, Stoner was mortally wounded, and died on his arrival at
Limestone, and all the rest, excepting Ray and Plascut were severely wounded. The women and
children were all uninjured, excepting a little son of Mr. Plascut, who, after the battle was over,
came to the captain, and with great coolness requested him to take a ball out of his head. On
examination, it appeared that a bullet which had passed through the side of the boat, had pene-
trated the forehead of thin little hero, and remained under the skin. The captain took it oat, and
the youth, observing '* that is not all," raised his arm, and exhibited a piece of bone at the point of
his elbow, which had been shot off, and hung only by the skin. His mother exclaimed, "why did
you not tell me of this?" *' Because," he coolly replied, ''the captain directed us to be silent
during the action, and I thought you would be likely to make a noise if I told you."
The boat made the best of its way down the river, and reached Limestone that night. From
that time forth no boat was assailed by Indians on the Ohio."*
NATHAN HUBBELL, of Monroe, Fairfield County, Connecticut, son of
Jeremiah Hubbell and Abigail Wakelee, was born August loth, 1755, in Fair-
field County, Colony of Connecticut. Mr. Hubbell married Miss Hirleyhoy,
of Middletown, Connecticut, on November 19th, 1786, and by her had twelve
children. In 1805 ^^^ ^^^^ ^i^d in Trumbull, Connecticut, and he married
Mrs. Naomi McEwen {nee Sherman), widow of Ephraim McEwen ; she was
thirty-one at the time of her marriage to Mr. Hubbell, and was the mother of
five children.
Mr. Hubbell had by his second wife, Naomi, seven children.
For a complete record of his nineteen children and five step children, see
the Genealogical Record.
*' Certificate of Land, situated in Guysborough, Nova Scotia, and granted to Nathan
Hubbell.
These are to certify, that, by the grant from His Excellency, John Parr, Esq., Captain Gen-
eral and Governor in Chief in and over the province of Nova Scotia, dated the third day of June,
1785, to Nathan Hubbell, Esq.,- and two hundred and seventy-eight others, for 53,850 acres of land
in this township, the authenticated copy of which Grant (the original being lost at sea) is lodged
in the office of the Town Clerk, of the township of Guysborough, Nathan Hubbell, Esq., is entitled
to seven hundred acres of land, and by a plan annexed to the copy of said Grant, surveyed and
signed by Amos Clapman, Deputy Surveyor for this District, it appears that the said Nathan
Hubbell did draw the said quantity of seven hundred acres in manner following, that is to say :
In the front Lots one hundred and seventy-nine acres, Lot No. 22. In the Back Lots, Five hun-
dred and twenty acres, Lot No. 4, in the North Division of back lands, making together the
quantity allotted him in the grant aforesaid.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 2d day of Nov., 1785.
Thos. Cutler, Town Clerk.
Fees t)ne shilling and sixpence per hundred acres.
Guysborough, Province of Nova Scotia."!
• From " Heroes aud Iluiitera of the West."
t Furuished b> Rev. Nathan Hubbell, hb grandson.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 89
" In the name of God, Amen. I, Nathan Hubbell, of the town of Monroe, in the County of
Fairfield and State of Connecticut, although at present laboring under indi8(K)8iti()n of body, yet be-
ing of sound disposing mind, memory and understanding, through tiie mercy of God, think best at
this time to make and ordain this my last will and testament, in manner and form following, to wit:
I resign my soul into the hands of Almighty God, humbly hoping for a blessed immortality
through the merits of Jesus Christ, and my body I desire may be decently buried at the direction
of my executor, hereinafter named, and as for such temporal estate as the Lord, in his goodness,
has been pleased to bless me with, I dispose thereof as follows :
To my wife, Naomi Hubbell, I give and bequeath all my household furniture, to be her own
forever, and the use and improvement of one-third part of my dwelling house and barn, and the
land on which said buildings stand, being a little more than one acre, during her natural life. I
also give to my said wife the one-third part of my stock, to be her own.
I also give and bequeath to my seven youngest children, viz. : Jane, Anna B., Margaret,
Adaline, Caroline, Burr S. and Susan Rebecca, my dwell. ng house, bam, and the land on which
the said buildings are situated, the same being a little more than one acre, and two-thirds of my
stock, to be equally divided between them, and to he their own forever.
I also give to the said Jane, Anna B., Margaret, Adaline, Caroline, Burr S. and Susan Re-
becca, thirty-five dollars, to be paid them out of my other estate, to be their own.
The rest and residue of all my other estate, both real and personal, I give and bequeath to my
ten eldest children, viz. : Elizabeth Curtis, James Hubbell, Mary N. Taylor, Sarah Taylor, Jere-
miah John, Clarissa Johnson, Horatio Nelson,- Nathan William, George Augustus and Honor
Cornelia, to be equally divided between them, and to be their own ; but in said division reference
is to be made to advancements which I have heretofore made to the said ten children, which con-
sists of the following sums, to wit : To said Elizabeth, $100 ; to said James, $30 ; to said Mary N.,
$100 ; to said Sarah, $35 ; to said Jeremiah J., $40 ; to said Clarissa, $100 ; to said Horatio N., $30 ;
to said Nathan W., $35; to said George Augustus, $12, and to said Honor Cornelia, $10.
And lastly, I do hereby constitute my friend, Samuel Wheeler, executor to this, my last will
and testament, and declare this to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have here-
unto set my hand and seal at Monroe, the 20th day of September, 1824.
Nathan Hubbell, [seal.]"*
Mr. Hubbell was a loyalist, and fought against the Colonies, as an officer
in the British army. He resided for many years in Nova Scotia, where he
was granted seven hundred acres of land for services to the Crown. He also
drew a pension of a crown a day until his death, which occurred from typhus
fever, on February 13th, 1826, in Monroe. Connecticut.
His remains repose in the old graveyard of Christ Church, in Tashua
District, Fairfield County, Connecticut, and upon his tombstone is the follow-
ing inscription:
"NATHAN HUBBELL,
Formerly Lieutenant Colonel in the service of
His Britannick Majesty, George the Third.
He died, Feb. 13, 1826.
* The melancholy ghosts of dead renown.
All point to earth, and hiss at human pride.'
Mors bono vita est gloriaque perennusJ' f
* From a copy in posAession of his grandson. Rev. Nathan Uubboll.
t Copied by his grandsoo, Charles William Curtis, Esq.
7
90 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
ISAAC HUBBELL. of Weston, Fairfield County, Connecticut, son of
Nehemiah Hubbell and Hannah Treadwell, was born in Fairfield County,
Colony of Connecticut, in 1755.
He was a soldier in the war of the Revolution.
During the early part of the war, while hunting in the forest in the upper
part of New York State with two members of his company, he stopped near a
beech tree to repair his shoe, telling his two companions that he would soon
overtake them. While repairing the broken shoe he heard something strike
the ground beside him, and, on looking to ascertain what it was, was surprised
lo see an arrow sticking in the earth ; in an instant another came whizzing past
his head, convincing him that Indians were in close proximity. Cocking his
musket, he arose from the ground and peered into the beech tree, whence the
arrows had come, and among its branches soon discovered the dusky form of
a savage. One shot from his musket killed the Indian and brought his two
companions to his side, for on hearing the report they supposed he had killed
a deer. Their amazement can better be imagined than described when they
found themselves surrounded by some fifteen or twenty Indians, who had been
also lying in ambush, awaiting a favorable opportunity to capture all three
alive. In a few moments the hunters were overpowered and bound, and after
a short and most unwilling march found themselves in the camp of the
savages.
The next day they were compelled to ** run the gauntlet," and subjected
to other barbarous tortures for the amusement of the women and children of
the tribe, as a sort of prelude to what they were to suffer, by being burned at
the stake.
Isaac bore his sufferings without allowing a word of anguish to escape
him, for he hoped that something would occur at the last moment to save their
lives. His two companions had already been secured to the stakes ; his turn
had come when the Chief, anxious to secure his luxuriant red hair (which he
always wore in a queue), before it had been scorched by the flames, ordered
an Indian to scalp him. This was more than our hero could bear ; although
his arms were pinioned he managed to throw the Indian to the ground by trip-
ping him, and in an instant, jumped with all his weight upon the face of the
savage, disfiguring him for life. This act of rebellion on the part of a prisoner
so enraged the Indians that he would have been murdered then and there but
for the intervention of the Chief, who was so pleased with his bravery and
courage in frustrating the attempt to scalp him, that he concluded to save him,
hair and all, and offered to adopt him into the tribe, also to give him one of his
three daughters as a squaw ; an offer Isaac was not slow to accept, for the fag-
gots had been placed at the stakes, and everything was in readiness for the
torture.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 91
Not caring to offend the remaining daughters of the Chief, by choosing
one of the maidens for his squaw, he requested their father to bestow on him
the one he thought would suit him best. After some hesitation, the Chief gave
him the youngest, and, fortunately, best looking of the three, and the next day
the daring Isaac was adopted into the tribe, and remained with them for nearly
two years.
As his companions had been burned at the stake before his eyes, he always
dreaded a similar fate at the hands of the treacherous savages. Knowing that
some of the tribe would murder him in cold blood if it were not for their
leader, he determined to make his escape at the first opportunity.
During his life among the savages he had many remarkable adventures.
On one occasion, while hunting deer, with three members of the tribe, he saw
the Indian, whose face he had disfigured, glide behind a tree, and an instant
afterwards a ball from the Indian's musket whistled past his head ; almost at
the same instant he heard the report of a rifle, and the Indian who had fired
at him fell dead, shot through the heart by our hero's faithful squaw,, who
knowing of the plot to murder her husband, had followed the party into the
forest, determined to save his life at the risk of her own. The two remaining
Indians finding that their plot was discovered, tried to escape, but in vain ; one
was killed by a ball from Isaac's gun and the other, although wounded by the
devoted squaw, succeeded in making his escape, it is supposed, to some distant
tribe, for he never returned to the camp. His squaw told him that it was the
intention of the three Indians to push him from the cliff they had passed on
entering the forest, and then return to camp and say he had fallen and been
killed while in pursuit of a wounded stag. Fortunately for Isaac, he always
mistrusted the Indian who had been so ready to scalp him after his capture,
and would never go out with him alone or allow him to walk behind him while
hunting ; and as he had been careful not to approach the cliff, that plan of
killing him had failed.
After this second fortunate escape from death at the hands of the Indians
he lived in harmony with them, for they now looked upon him as one protected
by the Great Spirit, and spared no pains to make his life among them one of
comfort.
He was now comparatively happy, and deeply attached to his squaw and
their child, who, although born of a savage mother in the solitude of a forest,
was remarkably intelligent, inheriting many of the superior qualities of its
white ancestors. He hunted, fished, dressed, and was an Indian in everything
but birth and blood, and yet he was not happy. He thought of his home and
kindred, in Connecticut, and a constant yearning to see again his friends and
relatives who must have long mourned him as among the dead, so disturbed
his peace of mind that he determined to escape from the tribe and carry with
him his family.
92 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
At last an opportunity presented itself; the Chief and his braves had gone
on a fighting expedition, leaving the women and children in camp in Isaac's
care. One night, guided only by the polar star, he made his way towards the
north, carrying with him through the forest his squaw and child. After a long
and fatiguing journey they reached the St. Lawrence River, and started in a
canoe for Quebec, hoping to remain there in safety until the war was over.
But fate decreed otherwise ; the canoe upset, his squaw and child were drowned,
he was captured while clinging to his canoe by some British soldiers, placed
on board a man-of-war and carried to England, where he remained a prisoner
until after peace had been declared, when he was sent to America and returned
to his old home in Fairfield County, where he married Miss Mabel Beach, with
whom he lived until his death, in 1842.*
. AARON HUBBELL. of Bennington, Bennington County, Vermont,
son of Elnathan Hubbell and Mehitabel Sherwood, was bom in Stratford.
Connecticut, September 14th, 1757. His wife Sarah united with the church
when he did. He was twenty years old at the time of the battle of Bennington,
and was a member of Captain Samuel Robinson's company of militia; he
afterwards became Lieutenant of the company. After the first successful
c'^gag^nicnt of the battle — that at Baum's redoubt — he was placed as one of
the guards, set over the prisoners captured in the action, as they were marched
to the Bennington Meeting House. In the manuscript statement in possession
of Governor Hall, Mr. Hubbell states that those prisoners numbered six
hundred. He held, for years, the office of Justice of the Peace, and was
greatly respected for his integrity and good judgment; was appointed Deacon
of the First Congregational Church, on 15th December, 1834, when in his
77th year. He died December 26th, 1844.
ZACHARIAH HUBBELL. of Weston, Fairfield County, Connecticut,
son of Timothy Hubbell, died in 1808.
His will was recorded May 9th, 1808, and is as follows:
** Know all Men by these presents, that I, Zachariah Hubbell, of Weston, in Fairfield
County, being weak in Body, but of a sound and disposing Mind and Memory, do make and ordain
this, my Last Will and Testament, in manner following, viz.: First, I direct all my Just Debts and
* Written from facta narrated to the Author in 1880, by Mr. David Dayton,of Stepney, Fairfield Coanty, Con-
necticut. Mr. Dayton was told the story of his capture and life among the Kavages by hit uncle, Isaac Hubbell.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 93
Funeral expenses to be paid out of my moveable Estate, (by my Executors liereafter Named,)
which \& not otherwise disposed of in this, my Last Will and Testament; and if the same should
be Insufficient to pay all my Just Debts and Funeral Charges, I hereby appropriate Two Acres and
one-half acre of Land at the North end of my land in Turney's long lot to that purpose, and Em-
power and direct my Executors to sell so much of said Two Acres and one-half of land as will be
necessary to pay all my Just Debts and F\meral Charges; but if any part or the whole of said two
acres and one-half of Land should not be Needed to pay my Just Debts and Funeral Expenses, I
give, devise and bequeath the same to my Nephew, Ethan Parritt, son of my Sister, Patience
Parritt, Dec'd, to be to him the sd Ethan, his heirs and Assigns, forever.
Item. I give, devise and bequeath to my brother, Timothy Ilubbell, and to my sister, Rebecca
Lyon, of the State of Vermont, a Certain Note of hand in my Name, against the said Timothy,
Dated Feb. 17th, A. D. 1804, for the sum of Fifteen Dollars Sixty-two Cents, and on Interest,
to be Equally divided between them, the said Timothy and Rebecca.
Item. I give, devise and bequeath to my Brother, Daniel Hubbell, a Certain Note of hand in my
favor against him. Dated December 23d, A. D. 1796, for the sum of Ten pounds one shilling
lawful money, on Interest, also whatever sum may be due from the said Daniel to me, on Book.
Item. I give, devise and bequeath to my Sister, Hannah Watkins, wife of William Watkins, a
Certain Note of hand in my favour against my Honored Father, Timothy Hubbell, Dated
Novem*r Ist, 1804, for the sum of Thirty Dollars, on Interest, on Condition that she shall not
call for the same during the Natural Life of my said Father, but the same Shall Remain in
hands of my Exect'r until the decease of my said Father, unless my said Father shall consent
to have the same delivered to her, or shall wish to pay the same, in which Case I direct my
ExectV to deliver up the Note to my said Sister.
Item. I give, devise and bequeath to my Nephew, John Parritt, son of my Sister, Patience
Parritt, Dec'd, a Certain Note of hand in my favour against my Honor'd Father, Timothy
Hubbell, Dated Jan'y 23d, A. D. 1804, for the Sum of Sixty-two Dollars Seventy-eight Cents,
on Interest, the said Note not to be called during the Natural Life of my said Father, but to
Remain in the hands of my Exect'r for the benefit of said John, untill the Decease of my
Father, and then to be delivered by said Executor hereafter Named to the said John, if then
of full age, but if said John shall then be a minor, I direct my Executor to deliver said Note
to the Guardian of said John, for the use and benefit of said John, but if said John have no
Guardian, I direct my Exect'r to hold said Note or the money for the same, untill said John
shall have a Guardian legally appointed, or shall arrive at full age.
Item. I give, devise and bequeath to my Sister Hannah, the wife of William W^atkins, to my
Sister, Rebecca Lyon, and to all the children of my Sister, Rhoda Caldwell, Deceased, Seven
Acres of Land in Turney's Long Lot, so called, next adjoining the Land in this, my last Will
and Testament, appropriated to the payment of my Just Debts, extending Southerly, taking
the whole Width of said. Long Lot, untill it makes said Seven Acres, in Such Proportion that
my Sister Hannah, shall have the one Equal half in Quantity and Quality ; my said Sister
Rebecca, the One Equal fourth part, and all the Children of my said Sister, Rhoda Caldwell,
the One Equal fourth part of Said Seven Acres of Land, to be to the said Hannah, Rebecca, <&
, the Children of said Rebecca, Dec'd, to them and their heirs and assigns, forever.
Item. I give, devise and bequeath to my Nephew, Ethan Parritt, and to my Neice, Rebecca
Parritt, Dec'd, Children of my Sister, Patience Parritt. Dec'd, all the Residue and Remainder
of my Land in Turney's long lot, my said Nephew P^than, to have the use and Improvement
of two-thirds of said Land, and my Neice Rebecca, the use & Improvement of One-third part
of said Land, untill the said Ethan arrives to the age of Twenty-one years, and when said
Ethan arrives to the age of twenty one years. Said Land to be Equally divided between the
said Ethan and Rebecca, to be to them, their heirs and their assigns, forever.
94 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
Lastly. I do make, Ordain, Constitute and appoint, Nathan Wheeler, of Weston, S«»le ExecT!lor
of this, my Last Will and Testament, hereby Revoking any former Will or Willn by me made,
declaring this and this Only, to be my last Will and Testament.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed my Seal, this 8d day of
Febmary, A. D. 1808.
Zachariah Hubbeix, [Seal.]
Signed, Sealed, published and declared by the Said Zachariah Hubbell, to be his Last Will
and Testament, in the presence of us, who, in his presence and the presence of Each Other, have
Subscribed the same as Witnesses.
f Andreav Lyok,
y\^n - ^n Q.xIioL>CA>^ V^AC^-vv-cc^ David SiLLiMAN, Jun,
CJi^ji^X^ Ua^v..^ ^, ^ , . Jacx)b Gray.-
MATTHEW HUBBELL, of Utica, Oneida County, New York, son of
Matthew Hubbell and Abigail Hawley, was born in 1762.
*' lie was drafted into military service at the age of fifteen, and took part in the Battle of
Bennington. Before coming to Utica, he had occupied a farm on the Phelps and Gorham purchase
in Ontario County, but his wife being discontented in so savage a wilderness where bears were too
plenty, and neighbors too few, he sold, in 1790, at 66 cents per acre the land he had bought at 33,
and leaving Bloomfield, returned eastward. Following the natural water courses they traversed
the outlets of Canandaigua and Seneca Lakes, Seneca River and Oneida River and Lake, and
Wood Creek, to the Portage ; thence the Mohawk to Old Fort Schuyler, which they reached in
December. lie bought Salyea's interest in the River Bend Farm, and subsequently obtained a
deed of it from Agatha Evans and Sir Charles Gould, heirs of General Bradstreet This purchase
cost him at the rate of $2.50 per acre. Selling a part on the West, he continued to cultivate the
remainder until his death, and here he reared a large family. Possessed of his full share of New
England energy and enterprise, with the moral and virtuous habits inculcated there, Mr. Hubbell
was a useful and respected citizen. He was a member of the first grand jury that ever met in this
state west of Herkimer. He was among the earliest and most prominent of the Baptist denomina-
tion in his section, having received immersion in 1803, from the hands of Elder Covell, a Baptist
elder, then on a tour of visitation and preaching throughout the state, and who has pablished a
journal of his labors. During several years, Mr. Hubbell was a respected magistrate of the town.
He died Oct. 12, 1819, in consequence of sickness contracted at Sackett's Harbor, whither he carried
supplies in the war of 1812.
Of his family of twelve children, two of whom were bom before their arrival at this place,
and all of whom reached adult years, the late Alrick Hubbell, who died in January, 1877, was the
last survivor."!
WALTER HUBBELL. of New York. N. Y.. son of Gershom Hubbell
and Sarah Wakeman, was born August i8th, 1767, in the house built by
his father at Greenfield, Fairfield County, Connecticut, and died Sept. 9th,
1803, of yellow fever at his summer residence, on Brooklyn Heights, L. L
• Copii d l»y the Author from the original, now on file in " Probate Court," Fairfield, ConnecUcut.
t Copi h1 fruni Ba^cg's " Pioneers of Utica.'* liy Alrick Hubbell Man. Esq., of New York City, great fraiid»>n
of Matthew Hubbell, and aeut to the Author for publication.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY, 95
He was buried in the graveyard of the Old Dutch Church of Brooklyn.
In the year 1868, this ground having become very valuable for building
purposes, was sold for that purpose and the bodies disinterred. The remains
of Walter Hubbell were removed to Greenwood Cemetery, where they now
rest,
Mr. Hubbell was a niember of the firm of Bedient & Hubbell,* mer-
chants, and was held in great esteem by his friends and relatives.
The following letter to his brother Abijah, was copied by the Author
from an "original copy" (in the handwriting of Abijah Hubbell), now in the
Author*s possession:
"Brooklyn, August 12th, 1803.
Mt Dear Brother: Yesterday I had the pleasure of hearing from you and your Dear
Family, and from Sister Sally, by our neighbor Mr. Morehouse, on his way to Wilton. I was happy
to hear of your healths. You have no doubt heard ere this that our City is again visited with the
Y'ellow Fever. True, too true. ** Man goetli to his long home, and the Mourners go about the
streets." The Destroying Angel has begun his work. We have only to kiss the rod, and know in
whose hand it is, and by whose it is guided ; we are in the hands of a Merciful God — our Citizens
are fleeing in every direction — Crowding into houses three and four Families together. Don't
know what price I could get for my House, if I would let it for three months. I and my Family
through the goodness of God are in tolerable health, but our friend Bedient has the fever near
home, to say in his own family his Nephew, Asa Bedient, about 19 years of age, now lays very bad
with it; do not expect he will live long without a great change. Kimberly has had a severe attack
bat is on the mend. We shut our store 3 days ago. Do not mean to go over any more, but are far
from thinking we are clear of it. Oh, how gloomy all things look. Oh, my Brother, since writing
the above, Asa has Died the most shocking of Deaths with the Yellow Fever.
Mr. B. and Family have had a most distressing turn. " The Lord's voice crleth to the Cily.
Micah, 6th and 9th." Oh, that I might hear his voice and see the hand that hath appointed th6
rod. We are poor. Dying Mortals hasting away to the Grave, but when we die of such a horrid
complaint that the Cofiin must be made while we are living and the grave opened, it makes all
things appear still more gloomy, yet in reality its no worse, and nothing can make it better I am
sure, but faith in the blood of Christ Jesus can make a Dying Bed soft as Downey Pillows are.
Oh Lord, to whom else shall I go ; thou hast the words of Eternal life ; Give me, oh God, to
believe, and I shall believe ; make me willing, and I shall be willing ; work in me to will and to
do ; remove far from me all unbelief, all doubts and all fears. Oh, my Brother, what a sweet
Keflection to me that you have put your trust in God. Sometimes I think L have Sinned away the
Day of Grace. Then again I think I have lively exercises of Faith yet. I am sure no man can be
regenerated, and not know. Sometimes I am ready to say there is no good laid up for me in the
mansions of bliss. Then again I think, now is the accepted time and now is the Day of Salvation.
Ob, my Brother, if ever I see the happy Moment when I can say to you, I am his, and he is mine.
Doul>ting, fearing souls oAen faint. I will lift up my head in the strength of his Righteousness —
without whicli I shall Justly go down to Everlasting punishment. Oh what Different ideas you have
of works to what you once had ; once you thought every prayer you made you were better ; that
every good Act you did if of ever so trifling a nature you were on the road to Heaven. But poor
soul bow must you have felt when you were shown it was all nothing, and worse than nothing. Did
you not think that going to Meeting twice of a Sunday, reading a chapter, and praying in the
• See Jobnton's " Chancery Reports," vul. if., p. 393.
96 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMHY.
Family, and paying the Minister's tax, was all that was required of a Connecticut Chrii$tian. I must
confess to you that 18 years apo I thought so, but as long ago as the year 1788 I was taught by the
Blessed spirit of the most high tliat works would not do Oh, how long has the spirit strove with
you, you will readily say yes, my Brother, and God has declared his spirit shall not always strive
with man. I fear I have grieved the spirit too long. Lord have Mercy. Oh, Mercy, are not thy
Mercies large and free. May not a sinner trust in thee. Oh give me to lay at the foot of thy
Cross. Dear Jesus, never, never was any one turned away. Come what may, come what will, I
am now willing to trust my Everlasting all on his Merits, on his worthiness. Oh, Brother, pray
for me, a poor, unworthy wretch, a sinner of the Blackest kind. Oh, I fear I have Sinned against
light and knowledge. But my grace is sufficient, saith my Blessed Redeemer. Go on, go on from
strength to strength ; you shall find strength. You may be weary, but you shall not faint. Blessed
be God in the highest. Blessed be God, Brother, all these exercises came upon me in the light of
prosperity, and not in an hour of affliction. My best love to Sister Sally, and your Dear Wife and
Children. I am, as ever, your Brother, Walter IIubbell."
" The above is a true Copy of the last Letter I ever received from my Beloved Brother,
Walter Hubl)ell, and although it is an afflicting one, yet it has given me great satisfaction to think
that God in infinite Mercy, when he was about to take him from this to the World of Spirits, should
again visit him with his holy Spirit and show him what he had Done for him 14 or 15 years ago
and make him willing in the Day of his power to lay at the foot of the Cross of Christ, and there
plead for mercy. W^hen I compare this letter with his letters of 1788, and then the hope main-
tained upon his Death Bed makes me rejoice to think he is now likely to be one of the happy
number that sing praises to God.
Abu AH HUBBELL."*
EZEKIEL HUBBELL, of Bridgeport, Fairfield County, Connecticut,
son of John Hubbell and Eleanor Burr, was born in Greenfield, Fairfield
County, Colony of Connecticut, April 5th, 1768.
He enjoyed all the advantages of an early education, and at the age
of fourteen, was employed as clerk on board of vessels belonging to
Richard and Amos Hubbell, well-known merchants trading between New-
field (Bridgeport) and the West Indies.
He soon evinced great confidence in himself, and not only took charge
of the cargo and business of the concerned, but also command of the vessel
as a Merchant Navigator, called in those days Captain and Supercargo, both
positions being filled by the same person.
In 1797, owing to his industry and perseverance, he became managing
owner of two fine vessels, the Brig Caroline and the Ship Sally and BetsQ',
and was also interested in other vessels of smaller capacity.
His ambition seeking a wider sphere of action, he left Newfield and
became interested in the armed Ship Citizen, of New York City, of which
he at once took command as Captain and Supercargo. She mounted six-
* Tranacribed bj the Author, from the copy made by Ab^ah Hubbell.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMH.Y. 97
teen guns, and was manned with a crew of fifty men. In her he made several
voyages to Havana.
The Commercial Advertiser, New York, July 15th, 1798, says :
"Ship Citizen, Hubbell, Master, off Newfield Thursday last, via Halifax, where she
had been taken by an English cruiser, and after a close examination of the crew and papers, was
released.''
And in the same paper of December 6th, 1798, is the following :
"This day came up the armed Ship CUizen^ Captain £. Hubbeil, sixteen guns, nineteen days
from Havana. Game out with eighteen vessels under convoy, and parted with them on the coast.
Left a French privateer lying off Havana, but she did not seem inclined to come out. Flour, $6^ ;
sugars, 6s. to 7s. cwt. Cotton goods prohibited."
Early in 1799 he ventured in the same ship {Citi:sen) to Vera Cruz, in
the Gulf of Mexico, and endeavored to open a trade and dispose of the in-
vestment he had on board, adapted to the wants of the inhabitants of the
City of Mexico. Disappointed in getting permission to land his goods, and
utterly failing in his object, he proceeded to Honduras, thence to Havana and
New York.
The New York Commercial Advertiser, August 6th, 1799, says :
" Arrived, Ship Qiivxi&fi, Hubbeil. Vera Cruz via Honduras and Havana."
Honduras was at this time an open port, for the export of mahogany and
logwood only.
The information Captain Hubbeil received at Vera Cruz of the vast wealth
of the Spaniards in their South American States on the Pacific coast, and the
fabulous reports of the demand for certain descriptions of goods, enabled him,
on his return home, to plan an important and enterprising venture to those
countries. As a man of great prudence and indomitable energy, he at once en-
listed the confidence of his friends. He purchased the Ship Enterprise of 250
tons register, and interested himself, in common with Messrs. Isaac Moses &
Son, and Hoyt & Tom, each owning one-third of the ship and cargo. After
taking on board an investment of costly goods of little bulk, adapted to the
wants of the Spaniards in Chili and Peru, and in addition, to guard against pos-
sible failure and disappointment, as at Vera Cruz, he shipped a quantity of
goods suited for traffic with the Indians on the Northwest Coast of America,
and sailed from New York in October, 1799, with intelligent officers and a re-
liable crew, numbering, all told, thirty men and boys. Clearing his ship for
the Northwest Coast of America, without naming any particular port of desti-
nation, little could be known of his carefully marked-out voyage. At that
early period of our maritime commerce, ships were not coppered, and as a
8
98 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
rule their outfit at best was exceedingly limited. Making slow progress in
crossing the equator and coming into the high southern latitudes with length-
ening days, they decided to seek a harbor on the East coast of Patagonia. In
latitude about 45° south they discovered a safe inlet, where they found shelter.
The great rise and fall of the tide of 20 to 30 feet enabled them to careen the
vessel on the beach and clean her bottom of barnacles and sea-grass. The
ship now in good condition, they took their departure from these inhospitable
shores, and proceeded on their voyage. Passing Cape Horn early in February,
after a stormy and tempestuous time in weathering it, they were favored in
the Pacific Ocean with fine southerly breezes, which carried them along the
coast of Patagonia and Southern Chili, and about the first of March, 1800,
they anchored in the harbor of Valparaiso.
As many of the crew were suffering with scurvy for the want of vegetables,
of which they had been without for many months, the Governor granted permis-
sion for the ship to remain in port for a reasonable length of time. The rigid
and restricted relations Spain then held with the world prevented any vessels
but those bearing the Spanish flag from entering her ports for purposes of trade.
Consequently the Enterprise was closely watched and guarded by Revenue
Officers of the Crown. During this interval. Captain Hubbell obtained a pass-
port to visit the capital, Santiago de Chili, ninety miles in the interior, and was
the first citizen of the United States ever allowed to visit that city. He was
especially noticed by the Viceroy, General O'Higgins, upon whom he called,
and petitioned to land and sell his cargo, under any restrictions His Elxcellency
might see fit to enjoin upon him. But in vain ; permission was refused. The
beautiful city was then shown to him, attended by government officers. After
viewing the principal buildings, and passing through the Mint, he left the cap-
ital and returned to Valparaiso. At this, the chief seaport of Chili, he received
particular attention from the Governor, was entertained by him, and through
him found no vessels could be expected or looked for from Spain for many
months. He still cherished a hope, however, of arranging in some way to dis-
pose of a part of his investments. Lingering at Valparaiso for ten days, he
finally succeeded in making a conditional sale for the greater portion of his
cargo to the Governor, deliverable at Concepcion, a bay about three hundred
miles south of Valparaiso. After arranging the terms and conditions of the
sale and delivery of the goods, an agent was placed on board to examine the
cargo at sea. The ship sailed, the goods were examined, and, following in-
structions, they approached Concepcion Bay, where a payment of 150,000
Spanish dollars, on board, was to have been made in advance of the delivery
of the goods.
The morning was fair, the scenery magnificent ; overtopped by the snow-
capped Cordilleras in the distance, a beautiful bay and harbor could be seen
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 99
as the ship glided onward to her appointed haven. She soon came to anchor.
A boat was manned, and under charge of the second officer, with the Govern-
or's Agent as passenger, was headed for the shore. The Agent landed and
proceeded towards a thicket, a short distance off, but instead of finding his
friends to answer his countersign or signals, he was surprised by a squad of
cavalry in ambush. At once, seeing his defeat, he sprang for his life towards
the boat. The crew had taken the alarm and jumped into the boat, the
Spaniard barely escaping from the coils of a lasso as they pushed off. The
cavalry then discharged their carbines, wounding the second officer in the arm.
Fortunately, the boat reached the ship without any other casualty. The affray
and confusion among the boat's crew on the beach, which was distinctly seen
by Captain Hubbell from the deck of the ship, at once satisfied him that not
only had the Governor's plans failed, but also all hope of any possible chance
of realizing his investments on the coast of Chili was at an end. Some years fol-
lowing this event it was ascertained that the Governor's friends betrayed him,
and the silver coin en route to Concepcion Bay was seized by the Viceroy and
confiscated. The next object was to capture the Spaniard, in which they were
disappointed.
Defeated in this attempt to dispose of the cargo, and knowing there was
a Spanish Frigate on the coast of Chili, and that the laws of Spain did not
allow a foreign flag within fifteen miles of their South American States in the
Pacific, Captain Hubbell at once shaped a course northerly, toward the North-
west coast of America. Coming up with the West coast of New Spain, he
stood into the harbor of San Bias, with the hope of landing the Spanish
Agent. Fired upon from the forts at a long distance, he did not venture to
anchor, but proceeded northerly again to Nootka Sound. At this place, and
the adjacent coasts, he traded such suitable goods as he had with the Indians for
their valuable furs, and proceeded to China (calling at the Sandwich Islands and
the Russian settlements near Kamtschatka), where he sold them at a great price,
and realized an amount sufficient to purchase the large portion of a cargo of
cheap Bohea tea and other goods. Sailing in January, he arrived off Bridge-
port, in Long Island Sound, June 27, 1802, 140 days' passage from Canton,
on his way to New York City. Being the first circumnavigator of the globe
from that port (New York*), his arrival caused much excitement. Many of
his friends had mourned him dislost, for he had not been heard from during his
absence of nearly three years.
* The little ship-rigged Teasel BeUey, of 90 tons, Edmund Fanning, Captain, sailed from New York, June 13,
1797 on a sealins voyage to the South Pacitic Ocean. Shu collected a cargo of seal skin», proceeded to Canton and
loaded with teas for Now York, where she ariived April 26, 1799, l>eiug the first torscI from the jMirt of New York
to carry the American flag around the world.— See Rear Admiral George H. Preble's "Origin and Progress of the
Flag of the U. S.,*' p. 316.
loo HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY.
His arrival was officially announced as follows :
[From our Bridgeport Correspondent.]
** Od Friday last, arrived off this port, on her way to New York, Ship Enterprige, Ezekiel Hub-
bell, of this place, Master, in 140 days from Canton. Captain Hubbell has performed a circoitoas
and lengthy voyage of nearly three years since he left New York, and we expect has met withsaocess
proportionate to the greatness of his undertaking. He has lost hb second mate and two others of
hb crew. Captain HubbelKs route has been around Cape Horn, up the Pacific Ocean, upon the
Northwest Coast, and thence to China, in the course of which he has experienced many scenes
of danger and anxiety, and had some profitable traffic One of the natives of the Sandwich
Islands (where Cook was killed) he brought home with him, a likely and vigorous lad of about
twelve years of age, of an olive complexion, black straight hair, etc., who understands much, and
begins to speak our language.
We Icam from Capt. Hubbell that the natives of these islands are making great improve-
ments from the state they were in in Captain Cook's time, by the help of some white mechanics
settled there. They have several deck vessels, etc. Also, we leam that the native who killed
Captain Cook was yet living, and was pointed out to Captain Hubbell. We hope yet to be favored
with some interesting details from Captain Hubbell's log-book. — jVeir ITork Oommercial AdvertiKr,
June 30, 1802.
New York, June 30, 1802.
Arrived, Ship EnUrpriUj Hubbell. Canton, 140 days, via Isle of France, with Teas, Silks,
Nankeens, and Chinaware, to Isaac Moses & Son, Hoyt & Tom, and Ezekiel Hubbell, Master."
This long voyage, discouraging in its early stages, finally terminated in
a profitable result. The goods, mainly silks and chinaware, intended for Chili,
were mostly returned in the ship. Two ships fi*om Boston followed the
Enterprise, and ultimately succeeded in landing their cargoes.
In the spring of 1803 Captain Hubbell purchased an interest in the
Catharine Ray, a fine vessel of about 200 tons, and took command of her as
Captain and Supercargo, on a voyage to China. With a view to an important
investment in silks, she was provided with ample means for such an adventure,
and performed her voyage in the regular course, arriving at New York on
her return home in the spring of 1804.
Under a similar arrangement with the same owners he made a second
voyage to China, and arrived on his return home in the spring of 1805, when
the vessel was sold.
In May, 1805, he resumed the command of his old Ship Citizen, under the
auspices of Messrs. Hoyt & Tom, and fitted her for a voyage to China. Specu-
lation running high in silks, he declined any interest in the adventure beyond
his commissions. She had on board ^150,000 in Spanish coin, made her
voyage in due time and returned to New York, where she arrived in May,
1806.
As there was nothing special in the trips of the Cathanne Ray and
Citizen, we have not given any detailed account of their voyages.
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY. loi
The Ship Augustus, owned in equal shares by Isaac Moses & Son, Hoyt &
Tom, and Ezekiel Hubbell, was placed under the command of Captain Hub-
bell aforesaid to proceed to China via Isle of France. Throughout the voyage
the employment and business of the ship was to be left exclusively to his care
and judgment. She took on board a small amount of treasure (about 25,000
Spanish dollars), and cleared for China in June, 1807. He called at the Isle
of France and invested his funds in India prize cotton, — England and France
being then at war, — and continued thence on his voyage to China, arriving
at Canton in October, 1807. At Canton in those days there were no commis-
sion-houses. It was customary to take a furnished factory,* and the captain or
supercargo transacted the business of the ship, and purchased the return cargo
of tea, silks, etc. These purchases were all made through the wealthy Hong
merchants, of whom there were twelve, and through whom all foreign trade
was conducted, including that of the British East India Company.
In the early experience of American traders with China, vessels were fur-
nished, as a rule, with ample means to load a return cargo.f The Augtistus
was a good-sized ship, but the funds realized from the sale of the cotton did
not exceed ^30,000, which was a small sum towards purchasing a full cargo of
tea. Freight could not be had except at exceedingly low figures, and as pros-
pects were not encouraging at the time for the United States, he became dis-
heartened, because he saw no prospects of getting away from China in the regular
season, so that he could avail himself of the northeast monsoon to take his ship
down the China Sea. While in this perplexing situation he unexpectedly enlisted
the sympathy of Houqua, the senior Hong merchant. Houqua proposed to
Captain Hubbell to furnish and sell to him a cargo of tea on twelve months'
credit, on condition that he should take tea of such descriptions as he
(Houqua) should advise, and follow his suggestions if they were worthy of
consideration, Houqua to take the sea risk, which was to be included in the
price of the tea, the payment for the cargo to be remitted in due course of
time, after realization from sales in Europe. In the meanwhile Captain Hub-
bell was to give his promissory note at twelve months' date with interest at
twelve per cent, per annum for the cost of the cargo. Captain Hubbell ex-
pressed great surprise and pleasure at the unbounded confidence manifested on
the part of Houqua, who, however, had made his acquaintance on former voy-
ages to China, and in whom he (Houqua) had taken a great personal interest.
Houqua's proposition was accepted, also his suggestion that the destination of
the ship should be Amsterdam, as he believed in a good result from a ship-
* A fttrnithcd factory was a large private residence with suitable arrangements for living and conducting
trade, In which captains and supercargoes, with a retinue or servants, tranttacted their business.
t It had been also Captain HublH'll's experience ; but on this occasion no reasiun is givm for his limited sup-
ply of foods. HLi owoen were wealtliy.
I02 HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL hAMlLY.
ment of tea adapted to the wants peculiar to Holland. The ship at once loaded
and made ready for sea. On making up the invoices it was found that after
crediting the outward funds of the ship the balance due Houqua would be
1^103,000, for which sum Captain Hubbell gave his individual note as follows:
"$103,000. "Canton, China, January 15th, 1808.
Twelve months after date, for value received, I promise to pay to the order of Houqua,
Hong merchant, one hundred and three thousand dollars for cargo of tea per Ship Augustus, with
interest at 12 per cent, per annum. (Signed) Ezekiel Hubrkli«."
He then addressed his associates in New York, enclosing copies of in-
voices and advising in detail the responsibility he had taken, naming a third
party to whom he required they should on receipt of his letters at once ap-
prove of his transaction to the extent of their one-third interest each in the
ship, or otherwise simply receive their portion of freight on the cargo and profit
on the tea, from the proceeds of the cotton, when the accounts were finally
made up.
Taking leave of his friend Houqua, he sailed from Canton in January,
1808, bound for Amsterdam, and arrived at Plymouth, in the English Channel,
on July 3d, the same year. Here the startling news of the blockade of the
ports of Holland, by the naval forces of Great Britain, awaited him, and hear-
ing it for the first time, his surprise can well be imagined. Recovering quickly
from the shock produced by such unexpected intelligence, he immediately took a
post chaise for London, to confer with the eminent house of Messrs. Thomas
Wilson & Co.
Tea under the American flag was prohibited in England. The China
trade was a monopoly of the British East India Company, who had the
exclusive right of importing tea. The extreme arbitrary regulations of the
Company opposed the landing of the cargo in bond until peace in Europe
might release it. The non-intercourse act in America could not induce him to
cross the Atlantic to New York. To remain at anchor, waiting the end of an
uncertain war, would be fatal, for the ship was not coppered, and, in addition
to a certain deterioration to the tea, she would certainly be destroyed by worms.
Finally, after due consideration of the great risks to be incurred, he laid his plan
before his London friends, to place his ship and cargo in Amsterdam. They
seemed to think well of his proposed enterprise, although not disposed to
openly advise it. Still, they were much pleased at the cool decision of Captain
Hubbell, for he had decided upon a course of action with a firm determination
to carry it out at all hazards.
With efficient officers and a reliable crew he left Plymouth and proceeded
towards the Bay of Biscay. In this short cruise a new log-book and journals
were written up, headed direct from "Canton to Amsterdam." As soon as they
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 103
were completed, he steered away for the English Channel, and without calling,
as customary in those days, at an English port for news, he continued steadily
on to the North Sea, until within sight of the British naval forces blockading
Holland.
His journal showed " 160 days' passage from Canton, ship leaking badly,
and short of provisions; had spoken nothing, nor called at any port/' A boat,
with an officer from the Admiral's ship, soon boarded the Augustus, After
endorsing on the ship's Register notice that the ports of Holland were under
blockade by H. B. M. naval forces, the officer requested Captain Hubbell "to
remain under easy sail during the night." To this request he replied, " that
the crew were almost worn out with fatigue at the pumps to keep the ship
free," and adding that they were out of water and provisions, he asked to be
supplied that afternoon with a small quantity of each. The officer said in reply
that " the Squadron was short of everything, and their men were also upon an
allowance of water, but he would report to the Admiral, and see what could be
done on the morrow." To this Captain Hubbell replied, " that if they did not re-
lieve his crew immediately, or to some extent, he should beach his ship before
morning, because his men were becoming ungovernable, and would not hesi-
tate to run her ashore." The boarding officer laughed, and taking his leave
merely said in reply," we will look after you. Captain, during the night, and see
you again to-morrow." The morning opened upon a new scene. The sun rose
brightly, and found the good Ship Augustus embedded in the sandy beach,
near the entrance of the main channel to Amsterdam, fully protected by the
fortifications, while in the distant offing the British fleet was seen, powerless to
reach her, she being quite out of danger of any possible harm from the guns
of the blockading forces.
The weather was fine, and the sea smooth, so the crew was able to keep
the ship clear of water by constantly working at the pumps, and not more than
the ground tier of tea was damaged by water.
Seeing the safe position of his ship. Captain Hubbell hastened to Amster-
dam to confer with the opulent house of Messrs. Daniel Cromelin & Sons, to
whom he had letters from Messrs. Thomas Wilson & Co., of London. Through
the influence of this prominent house, permission was obtained from Louis
Bonaparte, then King of Holland, to land the cargo and place it in the King's
warehouses, at Amsterdam. The allied forces were then marching towards
Holland, which caused all trade to cease for the time, rendering tea scarce, and
prices consequently high.
The main object now accomplished, the cargo was soon discharged and
stored in Amsterdam. Captain Hubbell left his ship and her cargo in charge
of his friends, and hastened back to London by a circuitous route, whence he
directed his business in Holland by correspondence, in which he was assisted
by his friends in London.
I04 HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY.
The ship was eventually floated off the beach, repaired, and put in charge
of the first officer. Some months afterwards permission was granted by the
iiritish Admiral for her to pass out unmolested. She returned to New York,
where she arrived in December, 1808.
Meanwhile, Captain Hubbell received letters from his associates in New
York, in reply to his letters from Canton. The one party confirmed the trans-
action with Houqua, in China, and acknowledged their one-third interest
The other party declined, on the ground that the risk assumed by Captain
Hubbell at Canton was unjustifiable, and refused under any and all circum-
stances to acknowledge any interest whatever, beyond the small investment
of J>25,ooo originally shipped on joint account, thus leaving Captain Hubbell
with a responsibility of two-thirds of the adventure to his own private account
After considerable delay the cargo was sold, and at the end of six months
accounts were made up, which, with remittances to Captain Hubbell, were re-
ceived in London under protest. The enormous charges debited in the shape
of heavy payments to various parties, said to be connected with the govern-
ment, led to great dissatisfaction and suspicion as to the honesty of the Agents
at Amsterdam. Still, the result was a large profit, leaving Captain Hubbell,
for those days, not only independent, but rich. Returning to New York with
the proceeds of the voyage, he remitted to Houqua, in Spanish dollars (includ-
ing interest), ^119,000.00, made up in China on receipt of the funds. The
note was returned to Captain Hubbell, indorsed as follows :
" Canton, October 5th, 1809.
Received payment in full, with interest, as adjusted, $119,000.00.
(Signed) Houqua."
Underneath is written :
" Paid, thank God ! E. H."
Owing to the difficulties and detention Captain Hubbell met with, a re-
batement of interest was made by Houqua.
It is a remarkable and noticeable fact that Captain Hubbell, on his return
to New York, found his old friends, Hoyt & Tom, who declined to acknowl-
edge their one-third interest in the transaction at Canton, embarrassed in the
seizure of the Corvette Ship, American Eagle^ by the Government, under suspi-
cion that she was fitted out for the party then claiming to be in power at San
Domingo. At this crisis he was enabled to come to their relief with substan-
tial aid, which saved them from a temporary difficulty.
From 1809 until the war of 1812 with England, he resided at his country
home, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where he occupied his time in gratifying his
tastes, and occasionally assisting his friends in their various pursuits in life, and
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 105
coDtinued to do so until 181 3, in which year he entered into an extensive
speculation, making large purchases of woodlands near West Point, on the
Hudson River, known as the Highlands.
The object was to furnish ship timber, in anticipation of the requirements
of the Government at the Navy Yard in New York City. Large quantities of
timber were felled and sent forward, but, unfortunately, proved unsuitable. He
was not discouraged, however, hoping that an emergency might arise to compel
the Government to use it, as it was then difficult to obtain suitable building
material, except at an enormous price and in small supply, because the ports
of the United States were continually under blockade by the English naval
forces, and inland transportation was almost impracticable.
After investing considerable sums of money, however, from which little
could be realized, the speculation was abandoned, entailing, for those days, a
heavy loss.
At the close of the war, in February. 181 5, he found himself obliged to
sustain his friends. Smith & Hubbell, of New York, who were engaged in a
shipping and mercantile business, mainly with Calcutta. This, in addition to
his timber enterprises, and some losses on shipments to Spain, in 1809, seized
by Napoleon I, under the Berlin and Milan decrees of 1806, weakened his
resources to such a degree as to compel him again to think of foreign
adventures.
In 1816 he visited Holland in hope of realizing something further from
the proceeds of the cargo of tea, per Ship Augjistiis, sold at Amsterdam, as
hereinbefore referred to. Soon discovering that he looked in vain for re-
clamations from his old correspondents, without uncertain and expensive
litigation, he abandoned the intention and returned to the United States.
In 1 8 17, after nine years spent mostly in retirement, he conceived and
planned a voyage to the Eastern World. About this time Spain, passing the
zenith of her glory, was rapidly losing control over her vast and wealthy South
American States, and was finally obliged to open her possessions in Asiatic
Seas to foreign trade. Already cut off as she was in her exclusive commercial
career between the Philippine Islands and her possessions on the west coast of
America, by the breaking up of the old and wealthy Philippine Trading
Company, at one time wielding a capital of $12,000,000, she declared Ma-
nilla, the only port of entry in the Philippines, open and free to foreign com-
merce of all nations.
Anticipating such an event, he made up an adventure in the interest of
his friends, Hoyt & Tom and others ; and after rebuilding his old ship, Citizen,
he once more took command of her as Captain and Supercargo, and with
ample means in Spanish dollars sailed for Manilla. The voyage was not
publicly known until many months after his departure from New York. At
9
io6 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
Manilla he met with the Ship Ladoga, of Boston. These two ships were the
first American vessels that loaded at that port on the opening of trade to foreign
countries. Nominally, the port of Manilla was open to the English in 1809.
with such restrictions, however, that, meanwhile, no trade of any note could be
carried on, and no resident Consul was recognized.
The Citizen was loaded chiefly with sugars and indigo at a low cost
Having surplus funds, he chartered and also loaded a French ship with similar
goods and sent her to Hamburg. Meanwhile he proceeded in his own ship
to New York, where he arrived in May, 1 8 18. Although he had invested
100,000 Spanish dollars in loading the Citizen and the French ship for Ham-
burg, the result of both voyages was only a moderate return for the risk
involved, owing to the demoralized state of trade throughout Europe and the
United States.
Retaining his interest in the Citizen, she was dispatched again to Manilla
in the spring of 1 8 19, under the command of Captain Loring, with Captain
Hubbell's son, Greorge William, then twenty-three years of age, on board as
Supercargo in charge of the business of the ship. She loaded at Manilla for
Hamburg, where she arrived in May, 1820. His son, after dispatching the
ship from Hamburg back to Manilla, in charge of Captain Loring, as Mas-
ter and Supercargo, returned to New York, where he arrived in February,
1821.
Captain Hubbell continued to reside at his Connecticut home from the
spring of 1818 until 1 82 1, when he embarked in the Ship Ajax, a new vessel
in which he was interested, and the building of which he superintended. His
X\\o sons, George William and Henry Wilson, the former twenty-five and the
latter sixteen years of age, were passengers on this voyage, and had in view
the establishing of a mercantile house in Manilla.* The Ajax sailed from New
York, April 21, 1 821, and arrived at Manilla the following August, after 120
days' passage. She loaded and returned to New York, where she arrived in
May, 1822. He left his two sons at Manilla permanently settled for a general
business, the younger in the capacity of clerk. During the year they prepared
a cargo for the Ajax against her return as a regular trader in the Monsoon
season. Captain Hubbell made four voyages in the Ajax, taking out valuable
investments of English and French manufactures adapted to the wants of
those people. The Ajax was finally sold, and within four months afterwards,
in August, 1825, foundered in crossing the Atlantic on a voyage to England.
In June, 1825, he took command of the 3hip Sabina, and proceeded to
Manilla, where she loaded and arrived home April 22, 1826, his son, Henr>'
Wilson, returning with him, after an absence of five years.
* Sec Biographical Sketches of George William aud Henry Wilson Hubbell, pp. 126 to 147, induaife.
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY. 107
On December 26th, 1826, he sailed on a voyage in the Ship Sabina to
Rio Janeiro and Valparaiso (where he landed under very different circumstances
from those encountered on his former visit to Chili in the year 1800), thence to
Lima and Payta in Peru; Guayaquil in Ecuador; thence to the Sandwich
Islands (which he also visited in 1801), and thence to Manilla. At the latter
place he loaded his ship from proceeds of treasure which was taken over in the
ship from Lima ; together with returns from cocoa shipped at Guayaquil, and
sandalwood from the Sandwich Islands. After an absence of fifteen months
and eighteen days, he arrived at New York, April 14th, 1828, in a passage of
one hundred and eighteen days from Manilla.* His son, Henry Wilson, in the
capacity of Supercargo, was with him throughout the voyage.
He now withdrew from his nautical profession and mercantile adventures,
and passed the remainder of his days at his pleasant home in Connecticut, the
main building of which he erected in 1797. During the last five years of his
life, as one of the incorporators of the Connecticut Bank at Bridgeport, he
found employment in organizing and looking after the interests of the bank,
which was successful under his administration as president. The immediate
cause of his death was a severe cold which he took in the Highlands, while
looking after the remnants of his old timber estates. He was ill but a few
days, and died April ist, 1834.
The subject of our sketch was possessed of noble impulses. He was be-
nevolent and kind to all under his command. In his private relations he was
courteous and genial. Unselfish in prosperity, he was unchanged in adversity.
A large heart endeared him to many friends, and his death was lamented by
all who knew him. He was a member of the First Congregational Church in
Bridgeport, Connecticut, to which he was strongly attached.
The following inscription is from a tablet erected by his son, Henry Wil-
son Hubbell, to his memory in the church of which he was a member. His
remains repose in the Bridgeport Cemetery.
" EZEKIEL HUBBELL,
Died April Ist. 1834,
aged 65 years.
Also hia two sons,
ANSON EZEKIEL,
Who died at sea
on liLs passage from England
To the East Indies,
August 4th, 1829, aged 23 years.
And
GEORGE WILLIAM,
who died at Manilla,
Philippine Islands,
May 3d, 1831, aged 35 years."
• This was Captain Hubbell's last voyngc. During his seafaring life he sailed :{GO,000 miles.
io8 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
GIDEON SUMMERS HUBBELL, of Easton, Connecticut (formerly
Huntington), son of Matthew Hubbell and Abigail Burton, was born in Hunt-
ington, Fairfield County, Colony of Connecticut, July 3d, 1768.
He moved to Ohio, and died there in 1842.
'^ Know all men By these presents, that I, Henry S. Bradford, of Huntington, in the Countj
of Fairfield and State of Connecticut, for the Consideration of twenty pounds. Lawful! money,
Received to my full Satisfaction of Gideon 8. Hubbell, of Huntington aforesaid, Do Give, Grant,
Bargain, Sell, Convay and Confirm unto him. the said Gideon 8. Hubbell, a Certain Tract of Land
Being in S'd Huntington and Situate in a place called Stepney, Containing five Acors, Be The
Same more or less bounded west on Matthew Hubbell, his land North on hiway. And East on
hiway South on my own land, Beginning at a heap of Stones in the Comer of the fence, thence
running, as the fence Runs, to the northwest Comer of my medors, Thence South to a rock with
Stones on it jest over a Spring, then mnning westerly to A Stone wall, thens running west as the
wall Runs to a heap of Stones, to have and to hold The above granted and Bargained premises,
with the Appurtenances thereof, unto him, the S'd Gideon S. Hubbell, his heirs and Assigns for
ever, to his and their own proper use and behoof; and also I, the S'd Henry S. Bradford, Do for
my Self and Heirs, Executors and Administrators, C/Ovenant with the S'd Gideon S. Hubbell, his
heirs and Assigns, That at and until the ensealing these Presents I am well Seased of the premises
As a good indefeasibel Estate in fee simple, and have good right to bargain and sell the Same in
maner and form as is above written, and that the Same is free of All Incumbrance whatsoever ;
and furthermore, I, the S'd Henry S. Bradford, do By these presents Bind myself and my heirs
forever, to warrant And Defend the within Granted and bargained Premises to him, the S'd Gideon
S. Hubbell, his Heirs and Assigns, against all Claims and Demands whatsoever, in witness whereof
1 Have hereunto Set my Hand and Seal the 21 day of february, A. D. 1793.
Henry Bradford. [seal.]
Signed, sealed, and
delivered In presence of
Priscilla Silliman,
Deodate Silliman,
fairficld County, town of Huntington,
february 21, A. D. 1793.
personally appeared Henry S. Bradford, Signer and sealer of the foregoing Instrument,
And acknowledged the same to be his act and Deed before me.
Deodate Siiximan, Justice of the Peace."*
"OBITUARY.
Died January 2oth, 1842, at the residence of his son-in-law, in Bloomfield, Knox County,
Ohio, Ciideon S. Hubbell, in the 74th year of his age. He was a man of blameless character;
long known as a iterson of temperate and industrious habits; economical in his life, and strictly
pious in iiis walk and conversation. For more than twenty years he was an exemplary member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Having stored his mind in early life with useful knowledge, he ¥ras well prepared to beguile
the passing hour by the narration of the events of other years, an employment in which he took
great delight.
His death was as triumphant as his life had been useful. He was taken on Monday with
• Copied by Mrs. Elisabeth Cathariue Hubbell, from the original in possession of his son, Harrej Hubbell, of
Ix>ng Hill, Fairfield County, Connecticut.
HISTORY OF THE HUBS ELL FAMILY. 109
an obstinate constipation, attended with incessant pain for about four hours, which he bore with
unusual fortitude and Christian patience. His pain then measurably subsided, and left him with
the use of all the faculties of his mind. From this time till his death he spoke with great calm-
ness about his departure. When his son, Zalmon Hubbell, who had come from the State of New
York, asked liim, " If he loved Jesus/' he exclaimed, " O, yes 1 he is altogether lovely." Shortly
afterwards he closed his eyes in death without a struggle, only surviving the attack about twenty-
three hours.
(Signed) W. C. Clark.
BUxmfidd, 0., February 17, 1842."
SULLIVAN DAVIS HUBBELL, of Hector, Schuyler County, New
York, son of John Hubbell and Phebe Davis, was born May 3, 1769, in New
York State.
Having been trained to rely solely on himself in early life, he ever mani-
fested those strong traits of self-reliance and industry that had been instilled
into his youthful training, and which nerved him with strength to surmount
all obstacles.
In 1806 he shouldered his well-filled travelling bag, and started for what
was then called the " Lake Country," making the journey on foot, to the head
of Cayuga Lake, where the village of Ithaca, Tompkins County, N. Y., now
stands. Here he made the acquaintance of a man who had unimproved land
to sell, and bought one hundred acres, where Hector, Schuyler County, N. Y.,
now is, for three hundred dollars, after which he returned to Providence,
Saratoga County, N. Y., for his family, and started in August, 1807, ^J^h his
wife and eight children, and all his household goods, in two wagons, each
drawn by a yoke of oxen. They drove two cows before them, from which to
obtain milk, camped where night overtook them, and arrived at what is now
Ithaca, in about four weeks ; from there he and his family had to travel fifteen
miles in order to reach their new home, accomplishing the distance in two
days.
On arriving at their destination, they were sheltered by the nearest neigh-
bor until Mr. Hubbell built a log cabin, into which he moved his family two
weeks after their arrival.
Exchanging one yoke of oxen and a wagon for meat and grain for the
family, he bent the combined forces of an iron will and a physical constitution
which seemed never to tire, to carving out a home in the forest which sur-
rounded him on every side ; and when the first year was drawing to a close,
he had cleared and fenced twenty acres and sown it with wheat.
As the country was being rapidly settled, he engaged in speculating in
wild lands, buying largely from the original owners, or those who had drawn
land from the Government for services rendered in the Revolution. He prob-
no HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY.
ably owned during his life more acres of land in the town of Hector than any
other man who ever lived there,
He was a man of keen perceptions and almost unfailing judgment; and
until the infirmities of age compelled him to retire, was one of the most prom-
inent men of the county in which he lived.
In September, 1812, he enlisted in the service of the United States, and
marched to the Canadian frontier, where his business qualifications soon
attracted the attention of the Commanding General, and he was at once com-
missioned to purchase supplies for the army, and continued to act in that
capacity until his return home in 18 14.
He was above the average height and very muscular, had a powerful con-
stitution, and would labor unceasingly from daylight until dark, apparently
without fatigue.
He was charitable to a fault, freely gave of his abundance to all who
sought relief at his hands, and was never known to turn an applicant for food or
work from his door.
He was elected to the various offices in the gift of the people of the
town in which he resided, and all trusts committed to him were discharged to
the entire satisfaction of his constituents and his own honor; and his descend-
ants look upon his public and private life as one they may well strive to
emulate.
He died August 28, 1843; and his memory is cherished by all who
knew him as an honest, charitable, religious man, and one of the noblest men
that ever lived within the boundaries of Tompkins or Schuyler counties.
The fine homestead, consisting of four hundred acres, which he carved out
of the dense forest, has, since his death, been owned by his descendants, and
at present (1881) fifty acres (where the buildings and orchard were), are
owned by his grand-daughter, Maxamilla Reynolds, the balance by her brother,
Oliver C. Hubbell, and by the family of Charles W. Rathbun, a nephew.
SILAS HUBBELL, of Montgomery, Hampden County, Massachusetts,
son of Captain Silas Hubbell and Elizabeth Edmond, was born in Newtown,
Fairfield County, Connecticut, February 22, 1772.
He spent the first thirty years of his life in Connecticut, Massachusetts,
and New York, engaged in farming, coopering, and in the lumber business,
taking rafts of timber down the Delaware and Susquehanna rivers.
The remaining fifty-four years of his life were spent practising medicine,
and collecting what he could from the rich, so that he might spend his time
and money freely among the poor, afflicted, and distressed.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. iii
He was a very active, energetic man, and departed from this life in New
Haven, Connecticut, May 31st, 1856, passing calmly and serenely to his reward.
JONATHAN HUBBELL, of Nankin, Wayne County, Michigan, son of
John Hubbell and Eleanor Burr, was born in Greenfield, Fairfield County,
Connecticut, May 15th, 1772.
While very young he was apprenticed to a boot and shoe manufacturer,
and acquired a good practical education by attending evening schools during
his apprenticeship. After serving the usual time he engaged in the business
which was connected with a tanning establishment.
While residing in Bethlehem, Connecticut, in 1808, he became a member
of the Masonic fraternity (Solomon's Chapter), and in 1820 removed, with his
family, to Washington (village of Little Rest), Dutchess County, New York.
In 1822 he moved to Monroe County, New York (town of Perrington j, making
part of the journey on the Erie Canal. Here he engaged in farming until 1834,
when he emigrated to Nankin, Wayne County, Michigan, where he died in
August, 1852.
JAMES HUBBELL, of Bennington, Bennington County, Vermont. Son
of Elnathan Hubbell and Isabella Breakenridge, was born in Bennington, Oc-
tober 17th, 1775.
He was admitted to the Bar in December, 1806.
Resided in New York City for many years, where he held the office of
Magistrate under De Witt Clinton, which gave him much active and responsi-
ble employment. He afterwards returned to Bennington, and died there
April 24th, 1840.
ISAAC HUBBELL. of Huntington, " Upper White Hills," Fairfield
County, Connecticut, son of John Hubbell and Sarah Curtis, was born in
Huntington, Connecticut, February 5th, 1782.
He was a planter, and died in his native town, February 2d, 1835,
regretted by a large circle of friends and relations.
WILSON HUBBELL, of Newfield, Fairfield County, Connecticut, son of
Amos Hubbell and Catharine Wilson, was born in what is now Bridgeport,
Connecticut, April 7th, 1773.
Captain Hubbell followed his father's calling ; made many successful voy-
ages to the West Indies, and was the owner or part owner of several vessels.
<\
112 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAiULY.
He was married \n 1797 to Pamela, daughter of John Hubbell, of Greenfield.
Connecticut.
In 1799, while France and the United States were at war. Captain Hubbell
and his sloop Delight were captured by a French Pri\-ateer, while on a vc^-age
from Xewfield to Ha\'ana, Cuba, via New Pro\idence.
The Captain of the pri\'ateer placed his first mate in command of the
Delight after the capture, with orders to carry her and her crew to France,
placing on board two French seamen, and taking two of Captain Hubbell's men
with him as prisoners, he returned to his vessel, and ii-as soon lost to \new in
the distance.
On the afternoon of the third day after the capture, the French mate or-
dered William Cable, Captain Hubbell's first mate, to the helm, and lea\'ing
Captain Hubbell guarded by the t^'o French seamen, entered the cabin and
taking off his sword and pistols went to sleep.
Although Captain Hubbell was closely watched by his guards, he man-
aged to elude their vigilance and enter the cabin where the French mate \i'as
slec*ping. After securing his hands with handcuffs, which he always kept in a
private drawer, he took possession of his sword and pistols, and also took fi'om
the mate's person the gold, and his own watch and chain of which he had been
robbed ; and after securely fastening the cabin door, left him still asleep.
By his superior strength and agility he overpowered the two French sea-
men, who in the meanwhile had been in search of him, and with the assistance
of William Cable, who had been at the helm, bound them.
Those who had been his guards were now his prisoners. After bidding
William Cable release Josiah Burr, the cook, who had been imprisoned in the
hold of the sloop, he armed each with the knives and pistols taken from the t\vo
French seamen, being himself armed with the sword and pistols he had taken
from the sleeping mate ; and feeling that he was again Captain of the Deliglit,
turned her prow towards home.
Towards sundown Captain Hubbell released the French mate from the
cabin, and as he promised not to give them any trouble, also relieved him of
the handcuffs.
Being pleased with his affable manners, he invited him to supper, an in-
vitation accepted with many expressions of gratitude.
After supper Captain Hubbell, while walking the deck engaged in conver-
sation with the Frenchman, took out his segar case and offered his prisoner a
segar, which was accepted. After some further conversation the Captain seated
himself on the leeward quarter rail, in the meanwhile smoking, talking, and
admiring the beauties of moonlight on the ocean. The French mate, who
stood -beside him, accidentally dropped his segar, stooped and picked it up, and
r some further conversation, dropped it again, this time directly between
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 113
Captain Hubbell's feet. Stooping, as if to pick it up, he caught Captain Hub-
bell by the ankles, and before he could resist threw him overboard.
The sea at the time was calm, and as the Captain was an excellent swim-
mer, he swam for some distance after his ship, begging the obdurate Frenchman
to spare his life. Deaf to all entreaties, this iron-hearted man allowed Captain
Hubbell to perish in the waves. Thus ended the life of a young man who was
the idol of his family and friends. Among the epitaphs in this work will be
found a copy of the one inscribed on the stone erected to his memory, in the
old Stratfield Burying Ground, in Bridgeport, Connecticut (see page 82).
It appears, from the records, that Wilson Hubbell's Sloop, Delight, Captain
Powell in command, was captured September 6, 1796, and again in March or
April, 1799, on which occasion he was in command and was thrown overboard.
"No. 14.— Sloop DdighU Registered December 28, 1798 (from 1798 to 1801). Owned by
Wilson Hubbell. Master, Ezra Hubbell, Mariner, of Newfield, Town of Stratford, Fairfield County,
Connecticut Begister detained aboard, as per abstract, 30 September, 1800, the quarter.
I, William Cable, of Fairfield, heretofore mate of the Sloop Delight, of Newfield, which
vessel was captured by a French Privateer on her passage to the Havanna ; and the Master of said
Sloop, Wilson Hubbell, having been hove overboard by the enemy and drowned, I, the said
William Cable, do solemnly swear that the Certificate Register, which was granted to the said
Sloop by the Collector of the District of Fairfield, was, as I verily believe, detained aboard by
force ; and that if ever said Certificate shall be within my power, it shall be delivered up to the
Collector of the Customs for the District aforesaid, so help me God.
William Cable." ♦
ASA HUBBELL, of Amenia, Dutchess County, New York, grandson
of Captain Comfort Hubbell, and son of Lewis Hubbell and Hannah Hale,
was born in Derby, Connecticut, December 30, 1783.
His father was a soldier of the Revolution — was conspicuous for his bra-
very in many battles, in one of which he was severely wounded.
Asa Hubbell was a man of unblemished character, great natural strength
of mind, earnestness of conviction, and untiring industry.
When a boy, but twelve years of age, he left his father's home and went
forth into the world to earn his own support, with a strong, ruddy, vigorous
physical organization, as his only competence, and an unsullied name as his
only inheritance.
Though so young in years, his frank, boyish spirit did not in the least
shrink from the trying ordeal that he was about to pass through, as friendless
and alone, with his little bundle in his hand, he bade good-bye to his boyish
* From Records in possenion of Mrs. £. L. Huntington, of Fairfield, Connacticut
10
114 HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY.
associates and friends, and stepped forth into the wide world, a child in years,
but a man in spirit, will and resolution.
Through his brief school-days in childhood, his apprenticeship in boy-
hood, and his indomitable industry in manhood, he was always an unflinching
votary of labor ; active, earnest, honest labor ; always a worker in whatever
calling or pursuit he was engaged, whether as an inventor of some handicraft
of mechanism, or as manufacturer of some ponderous implement of husbandry,
or as farmer, superintending " the seed time and harvest of the soil," he was
ever the same industrious worker — ^the same successful and prosperous citizen.
Not that he accumulated great wealth — not that he evolved any world-
famous invention from his teeming brain — not that he wooed or even coveted
popularity or fame —
^ That Toice alone
That ever lives upon the noisj tongues of men,^
but that he worked heroically on, devotedly loved by an unselfish, noble-
hearted wife and mother, respected and revered by his sons and daughters, and
honored and esteemed by his life-long neighbors and friends.
For the more than fifty years that he went out and came in — that he
summered and wintered with the same circle of friends and acquaintances —
not a taint of dishonesty to a fellow-man or woman, or tJiild, ever cast a
shadow on his good name.
His chief recreations were with the fishing rod — the trout-net for brooks,
the seine-net for rivers, and the pigeon-net for the woods. That he was suc-
cessful with either and all, is a fact no acquaintance of his will for a moment
dispute.
He was exceedingly fond of poetry. " Pollock's Course of Time,"
" Young's Night Thoughts," " Thomson's Seasons," and *' Milton's Paradise
Lost," were his great and well-thumbed favorites. Byron laconically says :
" Many are poets who have never penned
Their inspirations, and perchance the best ;'*
and it may with truthfulness be added, that many a soul attuned to the rythmic
melodies of nature, that loves the euphonic songs of the trees and birds and
flowers, that hears the symphonies of archangelic songs in the balmy breeze
or murmuring zephyr, or weird waitings of the damned in the howling winds
and the mighty tempests — and yet are they so bound in the green withes of
toil and labor, that the winged wanderers of fancy die ere they find utterance.
So with the subject of this sketch. He rarely penned the imageries of
poetic inspiration that fluttered their rainbow pinions through his teeming
brain, yet his soul was imbued with the very essence and spirit of poesy.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY, 115
Many a poetic gem, gleaming with the fire of genius and flashing with the
corruscations of inspiration, has the writer* seen when a boy, lying here and
there, in the work-shop or in the house, written in the same bold manly style
that characterized his writing.
That they, were not preserved is to be regretted ; that the writer did not
write more is lamentable.
The only verses (except some of an entirely local character, that were
written at the age of 82) that have been preserved, are the following, which
appeared some forty years since in a local paper, as an advertisement of one
portion of his business :
"TO THE FARMERS.
Ye bone and sinew of the land.
Forever famed in song and story ;
Ye rocks whereon joar country stands,
Firm pillars of jour nation's glory ;
Yon ripening grass, whose nodding plumes.
Like emerald crests of Knights of Old ;
With thymy breath and sweet perfume.
Ask you to reap their wealth of gold ;
Ask, when you glean that you shall take
"A. Hubbell's" best Revolyino Rake.
Untrammelled by the cry, " hard times "-^
Uncorsetted by bank dependence,
The honest farmer slowly climbs
The lofty hill of independence ;
There seated on its summit's brow.
In deep and pleasing contemplation,
Points to " A. Hubbell's" Rake and Plough
As stepstones to his elevation ;
As stepstones to his wealth untold
And ruddy health, worth more than gold.
The undersigned this method takes
(Anticipating your perusal)
To say the best Revolviko Rakes
Are made and sold by him as usual.
Amenia, N, F., 1838."
Asa HuBBELt.
For a number of years previous to the year 1845 he had discovered Upon
his farm in Amenia, N. Y., indications of an iron mine, and in that year he
opened a vein of ore, from which he mined some thousands of tons, but owing
to the depression of the iron interests of this country at that time, he could
see but little pecuniary gain in prosecuting the enterprise. Some few years
• nts ton. Wniiam Lafayette Hubbell, of New York City, New York, also a poet and InTcntor.
ii6 HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY.
later, however, he sold his farm, including the mine, to some wealthy and
enterprising capitalists, who, entering vigorously into the business, mined and
sold hundreds of thousands of tons of ore at a great profit ; and the mine
was sold a few years ago for ^350,000.
From that period until he died su(ldenly with heart disease, in 1868, at
the ripe age of 85 years, he lived with his children, possessing his mental and
physical powers and activity up to the very hour of his death, and retaining
his hold upon the admiration and esteem of all who knew him to the end.
*' It is an awfiil thing to die,
Bnt that dread path once trod,
Heaven lifts its everlasting portals high,
And bids the pure in heart behold their God."
JOHNSON HUBBELL, of Erie, Erie county, Pennsylvania, bom Octo-
ber 19, 1785, in Lanesborough, Massachusetts, was the eldest son of Hickok
Hubbell, of the same town. He was designed by his parents for the ministry,
and was sent to Williamstown College to complete his studies. His physical
strength was not sufficient to sustain his energy and ambition, and by too
close application his health gave way, and he was obliged to abandon his
long-cherished hope of becoming a minister, and became a merchant. In
July, 18 1 8. he married Miss Betsey Leonard, and moved from his native city
to Troy, New York, where he went into the drug business, in which he con-
tinued until declining health compelled him to retire from an active life.
His youngest daughter, Frances Adelia, having married N. W. Russell, of
Erie, Pennsylvania, he moved, at their solicitation, to that city. While living
there he went to Monroeville, Ohio, to visit his brother, Deodatus, and died
at his house a week after his arrival. He was a man of thorough integrity of
character, a gentleman and a scholar; faithful in all the relations of life, a
sincere Christian, and died as he had lived, at peace with all.
Few outside of his family knew the great cross he bore in not being able
to finish his studies. Although he had marked out great things for himself in
life, He who knows the beginning and the end planned otherwise ; it is worthy
of mention that he read the Scriptures daily in Greek, not a rare accomplish-
ment in these days of universal education, but rather an exceptional practice
in his day.
Noble and generous in his disposition, he always contributed to the ex-
tent of his ability towards the Church, and at his death the poor lost a sincere
friend.
He leaves an untarnished name the only legacy to his children. His
eldest daughter, Elizabeth Formosa Josepha Ann Hubbell, still survives.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 117
JULIUS C^SAR HUBBELL, of Chazy, Clinton County, New York,
son of Wolcott Hubbell and Mary Curtis, was born April 17, 1787, in Lanes-
borough, Massachusetts.
Mr. Hubbell became a member of the Bar in 1823, as is shown by the
following diploma :
"By The Honorable
JOHN SAVAGE, Esq.,
[State Seal.] Chief Justice
of the
State of New York.
To all to' whom these presents shall oome, greeting:
Know ye, That Julius C. Hubbell, having been duly examined and admitted as counsellor
in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, in this present term of August, in the year of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, I do hereby authorize and license the said
Julius C. Hubbell to appear in the said Court, and there to practise as a counsellor, according to the
rules and customs of the said Court and the laws of the State.
Given under my hand and seal the fifteenth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thou-
sand eight hundred and twenty-three, in the forty-eighth year of the independence of the United
States of America.
[Supreme Court Seal.] (Signed) John Savage.'*
Mr. Hubbell was for many years the oldest lawyer in the State of New
York. He died June 9, 1880.
HEZEKIAH HUBBELL, of Huntington, Upper White Hills, Fairfield
County, Connecticut, son of John Hubbell and Sarah Curtis, was born in
Huntington, Connecticut, December 25, 1793.
In early life he was a farmer and blacksmith, and lived for a time in
Pennsylvania, but soon returned to his old home in Connecticut, where he has
since resided.
He is now (1881), in his eighty-eighth year, and still in possession of all
his faculties, is very active, fond of fishing and walking, and takes great pleas-
ure in working in his garden.
He has in his possession a gun over six feet in length, bearing the follow-
ing inscription: " Nathan Hubbell, 1757. Made by Benoni Hill, of Stratford."
The last bear killed on the " White Hills'* was shot with it.
Mr. Hubbell is the patriafch of the "White Hills." It will interest mem-
bers of the family to know that upon these hills (in the town of Huntington),
there are some twenty families bearing the name, all descendants of Lieutenant
John Hubbell, who died near Albany, New York, in 1690.
^JtA/'^t^
'jtA/^^trvM*^
M^
TRUMAN MALLORY HUBBELL, of Philadelphia, Pa., son of Silas
Hubbell and Mrs. Hannah Wheeler {nee French), was born in Montgomery,
Hampden County, Massachusetts, September igth, 1788.
In 1796 he moved with his parents to Unadilla, State of New York, where
he lived until his mother's death in 1 797-8. After her death he resided with
his half brothers, James and Joseph Wheeler, on Partridge Island Farm, at the
head waters of the Delaware River (near Delhi), Hancock Township, New
York, where he was engaged in the lumber business. Here the subject of our
sketch lived until he was about twenty-four years of age. When of age he
went into the lumber and rafting business with his half brother, William
Wheeler, and always took great pleasure in relating that he had " steered rafts
of lumber down the river Delaware from Partridge Island forty-two times."
At the time of his residence in New York State the greater parts of the
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 119
counties of Delaware and Otsego were wilderness, in which deer, bears, wolves,
and panthers abounded. Many an hour has the writer of this sketch listened
to the stories of his revered grandfather's adventures with these savage deni-
zens of the forest. As an off-hand shot with the rifle, pistol, and shot-gun, he
was unrivalled in his day and generation, and an interesting narrative might be
written recounting his remarkable skill in the use of these weapons.
A long account of his ** Extraordinary Wolf Hunt " can be seen in " The
Cabinet of Natural History and American Rural Sports," Volume I, page 66;
also an account of his *' Encounter with a Panther" (same volume), page 137.
In his four days hunt after the ** three-legged wolf" (so called because it
had been maimed by a trap), and in his celebrated panther hunt, he was accom-
panied by his half brother, William Wheeler. As the accounts are both very
lengthy, and are well worth reading, we would advise all interested in true
hunting stories to peruse the original narratives in the aforesaid work, which can
be seen in the Ridgway Branch of the Philadelphia Library (on south Broad
Street).
Mr. Hubbell was personally acquainted with James Fenimore Cooper, the
celebrated novelist, was the original *' Deerslayer " in Cooper's novel of that
name, became the owner of the rifle " Killdeer," — mentioned in " Deerslayer "
— and always took great pride in relating how it came into his possession,
which is best described in his own words. " One day while deer hunting in
New York State with Captain Addicks, whose family had been murdered by
the Mohican Indians, and against whom the captain had sworn vengeance and
extermination, we came suddenly upon a solitary Indian fishing from the rocks
in a stream. He did not know of our proximity, for we were hidden from his
view by the forest trees and bushes that grew on our side of the water. Cap-
tain Addicks motioned to me to remain silent, and then informed me in a
whisper that the Indian we saw was the last of the Mohicans, but that he
had never shot one of them without letting him know and see who fired. He
then broke a twig to attract his attention, and drew a bead on him with the old
rifle. The Indian looked up, and instantly recognizing Addicks, knew that his
time had come to enter the happy hunting grounds, and throwing up his arms,
commenced his death song, which was cut short by a ball through his heart."
Captain Addicks, who was the original " Leatherstocking,(?)" then turned
to me and said, "Truman, my task is done, I have kept my oath, and for years
followed the murderers of my family, until the last of the Mohicans has fallen
by my hand. I have now no further use for * Killdeer,' and as you are the only
man worthy to use it, I give it to you and hope you will always keep it."
Any one who cares to take the trouble, can find, in the personal descrip-
tion of " Deerslayer," an exact description of the subject of this sketch. In
the novel, however, " Deerslayer " is said to have received '* Killdeer " from
the hands of" Judith."
I20 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
In 1811 Mr. Hubbell rented the Chester Saw Mills from Richard Flower,
«
whose daughter, Mary Ann, he married in 1 8 17, and continued the lumber
business there until about 18 18, in which year he established a lumber yard in
the District of Northern Liberties, Philadelphia County (now Philadelphia), on
the Delaware River, near Brown Street wharf.
In 1823, he went to Savannah, Augusta and Macon, Georgia, for the first
time, to buy cotton for the account of John Welsh, of Philadelphia, who made
large sums on his shipments. Mr. Hubbell also made over one hundred
thousand dollars for himself in buying and selling cotton on his own account.
He continued to make annual visits South to buy cotton, during the fall
and winters up to 1 830-1, and had many remarkable adventures while travel-
ling through that, then, lawless country. On one occasion he and a friend
carried two million dollars in United States Bank notes, for deposit on account
of the bank. They were followed in the stage coach by three des»peradoes,
against whom they were finally compelled to defend themselves with loaded
pistols, being greatly assisted by Mr. Hubbell's faithful pointer dog, " Rover."
They frustrated the several attempts to steal the valise containing the money,
and carried it in safety to its destination.
In 1824-5, while deer hunting, by invitation of the Indians, with Mr.
Alfred Cummings, of Augusta, Georgia, in what was called the Cherokee
Nation Country, Mr. Hubbell found in a brook, the first piece of gold dis-
covered in that State. He had the gold then found fashioned into a bas-relief
of his famous pointer dog Rover, and enclosed (under crystal), in a watch-seal,
now worn by his eldest son, William Wheeler Hubbell.
Mr. Hubbell became a member of the Masonic fraternity while in the South,
and returned to Philadelphia in 183 1 to remain permanently. With money
made in cotton, he entered largely into building operations in the District of
Moyamensing, Philadelphia County. In the improvement of the District and
in the establishment of public schools, he took a very prominent part, and was
elected to the Legislature of Pennsylvania in 1834-5, where he rendered eflScient
service in promoting the interests of his constituents, and was recognized as a
man of very great natural abilities.
In 1845 he removed to Catawissa, on the Susquehanna River, in Columbia
County, Pennsylvania, near which he cultivated a large farm, and laid out the
village of Hubbellville, in Beaver Valley adjoining the McCauley Mountain
Coal Mines, where he continued to reside until 1870, when, in the eighty-
second year of his age, he and his wife came to Philadelphia to reside with their
son William Wheeler Hubbell, with whom they lived until his wife's death in
1876, when he went to reside with his son Richard Henry Hubbell in Chester,
Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and died there May 10, 1878, in the ninetieth
year of his age.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 121
His remains repose beside those of his wife, their deceased children, and
eldest grandson William Hubbell, in the Chester Rural Cemetery.
In personal appearance, Mr. Hubbell was a remarkably fine looking man,
he was about five feet eleven inches in height, very erect, had blue eyes, brown
hair, and a ruddy complexion.
The portrait of him heading this sketch, is from a photograph taken at the
age of seventy-five years. He was endowed with great strength, was an ex-
pert swimmer and diver, and during his hfe, saved several persons from death
by drowning ; on one occasion, diving to a great depth to save a man who
had sunk for the last time in the Delaware River near his lumber yard. For
this act of bravery he received the diploma of the Humane Society of Phila-
delphia.
His great skill as a sportsman made him well known throughout the
country, and his manly bearing and superior conversational powers attracted
to him hosts of friends and admirers.
Patriarch of thy time, farewell !
Those well-told tales and legends of thy race
Did first inspire thy grandson to this task.
If I could live to twice thy years on earth,
I ne'er should meet a man as honest, and so true.
But, in that grander life.
Where all must meet at last,
I shall behold thy well-beloved face.
Hear thy remembered voice once more,
And feel again thy friendly grasp.
HIRAM HUBBELL, of Ballston, Saratoga County, New York, son of
Abijah Hubbell and Clarissa Fitch, was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut,
September 20, 1793.
He died May 19, 1874, in Oswego, New York.
The following notice of his death is from one of the daily papers:
" The death of a citizen so widely known and whose life has been so much the property of
the public as that of the late Hon. Iliram ITubbell, reqtiir&s a word further than wc were able to
sav yestenlay. Judge Ilubbell's family came originally from Connecticut, but more immediately
from Ballsttm Springs, New York. lie was many years a resident of Pulaski; at one time was a
representative in Assembly ; also clerk of Oswego County, and, we believe, the first elected clerk ;
he also wis one of the Associate J udges of Cswogo County, and held various other offices during
his useful life."
11
CHARLES BENJAMIN HUBBELL, of Bridgeport, Fairfield County,
Connecticut, born March 20, 1789, was the youngest son of Captain Amos
Hubbell and his second wife Eleanor Hubbell.
Mr. Hubbell was for many years a successful merchant in his native city.
He married Elizabeth, daughter of John Thompson, of Stratford, Connecti-
cut, by whom he had twelve children.
His obituary, copied from the Bridgeport Standard of May 13, 1873, speaks
of him as he was ; no biographical sketch that might be written could add
lustre to his dame; he died as he had lived, loved, honored, and respected by all
the inhabitants of his native city.
"Tho 11(111. Clinrlwi Ilcnjnniiii Hiibhell died veslcrd^iv nflcnioon, at tlie reHldence of hiii
dauglilcr, Mrs. R M. Thnrp, 011 Golden Hill. aHcr a brief illness. Tie lind been failing for n fe*
munlhs pa»I. bnt wilh the exception uf a colil and eongli, eeeoied to Le troubled with no speeific dii-
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY. 123
ease, and did not show alarming signs of weakness till a few hours before hU death. He retained
his mental and bodilv vigor to a remarkable degree, and attended worship a week ago Sunday at
the North Church, where his presence has been so constant for many years. On Saturday last it
became evident that the weight of years, which he had borne hitherto as few men ever do, waa
telling upon him, and his once vigorous constitution had lost the elasticity with which it had risen
from previous attacks, so that he sunk gradually under an increasing weaktaess, passing away
quietly and painlessly, falling asleep in the fulness of years.
At the time of his death Mr. Hubbell was probably the oldest citizen born here, and he
had seen Bridgeport grow from a very small village to its present proportion. At his last birthday,
March 20th, Mr. Hubbell was eighty-four years old, and those who saw him then remember that
his tall figure was as erect, his mind as clear, and his manner as prompt as ever. Bom in Bridge-
port, in what is now Park Avenue (then Multon Lane, and afterwards Division Street,) eighty-four
years ago, always living here, and doing business here from the time that he was nineteen years of
age, identified with the place through all the active years of his business life, taking a large interest
in its welfare, and maintaining that interest to the last, even after he had retired from active life,
he was a man universally known and respected, and whose loss will be very widely and generally
felt and deplored. He was engaged in active business for a period of nearly forty years, being in
the general mercantile, shipping and drygoods business, and was noted during all that time for
honorable dealing, sterling integrity, promptness, and dignity of bearing. In the years 1852 and
1853 he filled the position of Mayor of the then growing city with efficiency and honor, and he was
at various times called to fill other positions of trust, the duties of which he always discharged with
integrity and ability. He was President of the old Pequonnock Bank for a number of years, and
was a prudent and able financier. He was successful in business, and retired u|)on a competency
something over twenty years ago, but had personally attended to the details of his own affairs ever
since, and never ceased to take an active interest in all matters affecting the welfare of the city.
He attended the North Congregational C'hurch all his life, and was for many years a member of
that Church, and always a regular attendant on the ministrations of the Sanctuary. He had no
dread of death, but was sustained by the firm faith he ever professed, and expressed his entire
willingness to go whenever the summons should come. He was a man of great benevolence, and
under a somewhat blufi* exterior carried a large and warm heart, ever open to the appeal of sufl^er-
ing humanity, and was ever doing, in an unostentatious manner, deeds of charity and kindness,
which endeared him to a wide circle of friends among all classes. Mr. Hubbell was twice married,
and by his first wife had a large family, most of the members of which are still living. His second
wife survives him.
Although Mr. Hubbell had outlived the ailoted threescore years and ten by nearly a score,
he had never, as is the case with many old ctizens, dropped out of )*ublic notice, or ceased to take
an active interest in the afiairs of his fellow-men. His erect figure, dignity of manner, and striking
appearance, made him a man of mark wherever he went, and he was as well known perhaps as any
citizen of the community. He was a man to whom may be applied most fitly the words of the great
poet : 'Take him for all in all, we shall not look upon his like again/ While the sympathy of the
community will be freely extended to his family, he will be mourned not as one cut down in the
prime of life, but remembered and honored as one who, in the fulness of years, with his life work
well done, and leaving an honorable record behind him to his children and the eommunity in
which he had always lived, answered to the summons of his Great Master cheerfully, and was
gathered like a full ear in the harvest.
After the adjournment of the Common Council last evening, news having been received of
the death of Mr. Hubbell, it was announced by the Mayor, and resolutions of an appropriate char-
acter expressing the sorrow of the Council were passed, together with one that the Council attend
the funeral in a body.
The funeral of Mr. Hubbell will take place from the residence of hii daughter, Mrs. P. M.
Thorp, OQ Golden Hill, Thursday afferaoon at three o*clock.''
124 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
ELLEN HUBBELL, daughter of Aaron Hubbell and Sarah Silliman,
his wife, was born August 15, 1793.
On July 17, 181 1, she married Daniel S. Odell, who died November 22,
1 82 1, in Mobile, Alabama, and in 1824 she married William Thurber, by
whom she had one son. After Mr. Thurber's death she married, in June,
1839, John H. Keller, who died May 12, 1849, without issue.
The following notice of her death is from the Morning News, of Bridge-
port, Connecticut, September 21, 1880:
" In the death of Mrs. Ellen Keller, which occurred in this city September 4, Bridgeport
has lost one of its oldest native born residents. Mrs. Keller was the daughter of Aaron Hubbell, a
revolutionary soldier, and was bom in the old family homestead formerly situated on what is now
known us North avenue, at a point just east of Clinton avenue, August 15, 1793, and had conse-
quently passed her eiglity-seventh year. Her first husband, Daniel S. Odell, was also descended
from some of the earlier settlers in this community. A considerable portion of her life was spent
in New York City, but for several years past her home has been with her daughter, Mrs. Sarah
Willits, in Bridgeport, at whose residence she breathed her hist. Her remains now rest in
Mountiiin Grove Cemetery, in the vicinity of the spot where her childhood's days were passed, and
where her ancestors settled more than two hundred years ago.
The family of which this venerable lady was a descendant is one of the oldest in (his
region, and its branches, since its settlement here in the early history of Connecticut, have become
widely extended throughout the land, its numerous members have borne their part in the mani-
fold interests of industry and religion, and many of them have been prominent in the various walks
of life. Mrs. Keller was highly blest in her domestic relations, and her children grew up to occupy
spheres of usefulness and responsibility. Ufion them and their children, besides a large circle of
near relations and connections, is left the impress of her cheerful piety and household graces.
Indeed, a long and faithful Christian life like hers could not be without a gracious influence. In
all \\» stages her womanly virtues were apparent. A true hun)ility, unfeigned kindness, a gentle,
confiding, child-like spirit marked her character to its close. Those only who guarded and watched
her so afiectionately during her declining years, can know how submissive she was to the Divine
will, and with what a loving and unquestioning trust she rested on the Divine arm. Truly *the
memory of the just is blessed.'"
JOSIAH HUBBELL, of Bridgeport, Fairfield County, Connecticut, son
of Joel Hubbell and Charity Hubbell, daughter of Josiah Hubbell, of Old Mill
Hill, on " Hubbell's Hill,*' was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in 1793, and
died May 31, 1879.
The following obituary is from the Bridgeport Daily Standard of June 2,
1879:
"In our obituary column to-day will be found notice of the death of an old citizen, Mr.
Josiah Hubbell, at the advance<l age of 84} years. For quite u number of years Mr. Hubbell has
been so thoroughly withdrawn from ihe busy walks of life that f«^w of the present generati(m know
that sucli a man lived among us, and yet for 40 years prior to 1800 he was one of the active and
prominent business men of the place. His store was on the eai>t side of Water, at the foot of Wall
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY. 125
Street, the same now occupied as a meat market, by Mr. Edward J. Banks. For many years, in
connection with his brother, Captain Gershom E. llubbell, he conducted a grain and grocery busi-
ness ; also, Boston and New York coasting, the brother going as master of the vessel. lie was
also for many years engaged with another brother, David, in the manufacture of saddle trees, out-
side market for which was found largely in Philadelphia and Baltimore.
The firm of J. & G. llubbell built and owned in all five vessels. One of them, the * Vir-
ginia.' was the largest schooner ever built in Derby. She was lost on a trip from Philadelphia to
Richmond, Virginia, with a load of coal. The crew, including Captain Gershom E. llubbell,
barely escaped with their lives. The loss was total and no insurance.
Some old citizens will remember the sloop * Fame,* which was their regular New York
packet for many years, and did well if she made a round trip in ten days, and yet that was a speci-
men of the means of transit and communication between these points at the time.
The last vessel they built was the * Ilousatonic,' a sloop of 80 tons, which was intended for a
fast packet to run for freight l)etween Bridgeport and New York. She had very high masts, and
on her second trip upset off the bar of Bridgeport harbor, which involved an expense of $1,500
to set things right, and injured her character as a reliable freighter. She was afterward sold to the
firm of M or ford «& Trubee.
The home of Mr. llubbell was on the (then) high bluff on the east side of Water street,
where now stands the packing establishment of Mr. F. A. Bartram, and the grounds extended through
to Middle street.
Mr. Hubbcll, in his active days, held many prominent positions. He was alderman of the
city in 1837-8, 1842-3, was justice of the peace and coroner many years, was one <»f the first
promoters and for many years a director of the Connecticut liimk, also one of the corporators of
the Bridge|K)rt Savings Bank, establi.slied in 1842. Of the tweniy-two corporators of that institu-
tion, only four now remain, viz. : William II. Noble, Gideon Thompson, Thomas Hanson, and
Schuyler Seeley.
He was the first to introduce Anthracite coal in this market. There was much incredulity
as to its usefulness. Capt. Thaddeus Hubbell, who lived on the site of the present Citizens' Build-
ing on Main street, was among the faithless ones, and took a specimen home to try it on his hickory
fire in the old-fashioned fireplace, only to have his incredulity confirmed. After the great fire of
1834. which desolated Main street both sides, in the virinity of Wall street, and Wall street to
Middle street, Mr. Hubbell purchased the southejist corner of Main and Wall street**, belonging
to the heirs of Asa Hubbell, for $2,000. This he sold in 1838 to Charles Hill, ca.shier of the Old
Bridgeport Bnnk, for $4,000, which was thought a large . •speculation at the time. Mr. Hill in 1838
erected the building now owned by Mrs. George S. San ford, embracing three stores on Main street,
with one hall over them, which was our first City Hall.
Mr. Hubbell also purchased about this time the Captain Samuel Hawley place on the west
side of Main street south of Chapel street, now owned by Mr. N. Wheeler.
The exciting times connected with the building of the Ilousatonic railroad occurred soon after,
Mr. Hubbell taking sides with those who opposed the loan of the credit of the city to promote this
enterprise. When the test cjise to try the validity of the city's obligations was decided in the
highest state court, and judgment was issued, Mr. Hubbell was one of the first to have his property
levied upon. He had just stocked up his store for the winter, for which he had borrowed some
money, and although the sheriff, who had taken possession for one day only, calle<l him up at 10
o'clock in the night and quietly returned him his keys without disturbing a thing, yot exnggerated
stories were circulated to the injury of his credit, and led to an embarrassment from which he never
recovered.
Although withflrawn from active participation in city matters so many years, he has ever
taken a deep interest therein, and the annual Municipal Kegister has had no more attentive and
ajjprcciative rfea(!er.
Mr. Hubbell was descended from one of the original settlers of this parish of Stratficld, viz. :
126 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
Richard Hubbell, Sen., who with his son Richard, Jr., were among the nine male roembere of the
Strattiel 1 church at its formation in 1G95 (now the First Congregational church, Bridge;x»rti.
Their home was on the spot now occupied by Mr. Chas. A. llotchkiss on Clinton avenue. The
subject of this sketch married Charlotte Baldwin, of Ponghkeepsie, New York, and had eight chil-
dren, four of whom survive and are residents of this city, viz. : Edward Hubbell, Mary Louisa, Mn.
Russell T. Curtis, now Mrs. J. H. Osgood, Captain John B. Hubbell of the Bridgeport Stemmboat
Company, Charlotte B., wife of G. W. Arnold. Jane fllizabeth, wife of Doctor U. L. W. Burritt,
Walter, Louis Henry and Frances Ann, are deceased.
Mr. Hubbell united with the First Congregational Church, October, 7th, 1821, at which time
there was a large accession. Among them such names as John Brooks, Jr., Sherwood Sterling,
William Wright, and Burr Knapp. In 1831 he was dismissed with thirty other male and seventy
female members to form the Second or South Church, with which he ever retained his membership.
He has been a great reader of the Scriptures and has read the Bible through five times in the last
eight years.*'
WALTER HUBBELL, of Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York,
born February 25, 1795, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, was the son of Abijah
Hubbell and Clarissa Fitch.
Mr. Hubbell graduated at Union College, Schenectady, New York, in 18 14,
and the same year went to Canandaigua, New York, where he entered the law
office of N. W. Howell and John Greig. He was admitted to the Bar in 1817
and continued the practice of his profession until his death, March 25, 1848.
GEORGE WILLIAM HUBBELL, of Bridgeport, Fairfield County.
Connecticut, eldest son of Ezekiel and Catharine Hubbell, was bom November
26, 1796, in Bridgeport, Fairfield County, Connecticut. His parents were de-
sirous he should receive a collegiate education, and he partially prepared him-
self for such a course, but his inclinations leading him to choose a commercial
life, he entered, at the age of sixteen, the counting-room of Smith & Hubbell,
of New York.
In 18 1 5. immediately after the war with England, when he was nineteen
years of age. Smith & Hubbell employed him as Supercargo, with the business
of the brig Cannon, under the command of Captain Paul Delano, on a voyage
to Portugal and Gibraltar. In 18 16 — Buenos Ayres, then fighting for her in-
dependence— he was again employed by the same house to embark in the brig
Ei/cn Tooker, under the command of Captain Adam Pond, to take the consign-
ment of the vessel and cargo, consisting of materials of war and ammunition of
all kinds. This adventure, arriving at a time the Provinces of Uruguay and
Buenos Ayres were still at war with Spain, favorable results were looked for.
On the contrary, finding an over-supply of similar investments, as he did, and
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY, 127
consequent competition and delay to realize, the result proved disastrous to
all concerned. After the sale of the vessel and cargo he lingered some time
in the La Plata, closing up his business, and returned home late in the year
1817.
The following spring, in the month of June, he took charge of the business
of the ship Citizen, under the command of Captain James Loring, and as Super-
cargo made a voyage to Manilla, where he loaded her for Europe, and arrived
at Hamburgh in May, 1820. Disposing of her cargo, and despatching the ship
on another voyage to Manilla, under instructions from the owners in the
United States, and placing her in charge of Captain Loring as Master and
Supercargo, he returned to New York, where he arrived in February, 182 1.
In March following he married Mary Ann, only daughter of Enoch Foote,
Esq., of Bridgeport, Connecticut
In April, 182 1, he and his brother Henry Wilson Hubbell, the second
son of Ezekiel and Catharine Hubbell — born in Bridgeport, Fairfield County,
Connecticut, October 30, 1805 — embarked as passengers in the new ship AJax,
commanded by their father, and sailed for Manilla. Henry had just finished
his education at the Wilton Academy, Connecticut, under the tuition of
Hawley Olmstead, afterwards Professor of Astronomy, at Yale College. The
object of George was to establish a mercantile house at Manilla — with his
brother Henry as one of the clerks at the start — and transact a general busi-
ness. The ship arrived out in August, 1821, having on board 90,000 dollars
in Spanish coin, with several invoices of English, French and miscellaneous
goods. Part of these funds were for the Citizen, belonging to the same owners,
which ship arrived at Manilla from Hamburgh many months before the Ajax.
An establishment was soon arranged and organized for business, and on the
first of January, 1822, commercial circulars, under the firm name of George W.
Hubbell were issued. These two ships both loaded and sailed in the regular
monsoon on their return to New York. The Citizen was wrecked on the
coast of New Jersey; and the Ajax arrived safely, April 15, 1822. It may be
here specially noticed and recorded that the name of the Hubbells was fairly
and permanently established at Manilla in 1822, an5 has continued, now Peele,
Hubbell & Co., to the present period of 1881. This firm and the house of
Russell & Co., in China, established at Canton, in 1825, are the only two
American houses of ancient standing in existence at the present day, eastward
of the Cape of Good Hope. The house has been successful and favorably
known in all the commercial centres of the world as a responsible and highly
respected firm. At the time of his death, as hereinafter referred to, Mr. George
W. Hubbell, the original founder of the house, had been the United
States Consul for many years, and was the first recognized by Spain in her
East India possessions.
128 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
From 1822 to 1825 the Ajax made three successive voyages under the
same command, consigned to George \V. Hubbell. The ship Sabina^ also
commanded by Ezekiel Hubbell, in 1825-26, loaded at Manilla for New York.
Meanwhile the business of the house increased, particularly with New York
and Salem.
In 1823 the house purchased and loaded the brig Cadst, of Boston, with
a valuable cargo of sugars and China silks, adapted to the wants of Chili and
Peru. Henry, then under eighteen years of age, was entrusted with the
business of the voyage as Supercargo. Aside from the knowledge he had de-
rived during the two years he was in the office of his brother George, he had
only been commissioned with a small adventure from Manilla to China and
back in July and August, 1823. Full and careful instructions for his guidance
were prepared, the voyage mapped out, and then left to his judgment to act
for the best as circumstances might render necessary.
The Cadet, under command of Captain James Bennett, sailed from Manilla
January 15, 1824. Passing down the China Sea, the Indian Ocean, and to the
southward of New Holland and New Zealand, she arrived at Valparaiso in the
month of April, following. During the voyage the crew became mutinous and
the vessel arrived with several men in irons. This difficulty weighed upon
Captain Bennett's mind to such a degree, that, soon after his arrival he de-
stroyed himself Without delay Mr. Hubbell engaged a suitable man to fill
his place, and the business of the vessel went on without interruption. Part of
the cargo was sold at Valparaiso. The accounts closed, the vessel was soon
made ready for sea. At this time the Spaniards, still in possession of the
Castle of Callao, and control of the city of Lima, and the port reported to he
under blockade by the limited naval forces of Peru, and several Spanish armed
cruisers on the coast, he joined the Supercargos of the ships Liberty and Gover-
nor Clinton, of New York, and sought convoy down the coast from the United
States Sloop of War Peacock, then at Valparaiso, which was unhesitatingly
granted by Captain Carter, in command. After seven days' passage, calling at
Coquimbo en route, the Cadet and her companions, in the absence of the
blockading fleet, safely anchored in the harbor of Callao unmolested.
Lima at that time was alternately in temporary possession of the Spanish
and Peruvian forces. Completely demoralized, as that beautiful city was, with
no sale for anything except flour and provisions, he decided, after idling away
a month or more, to proceed down the coast to Truxillo.* He did so ; and
disposed of a further portion of his cargo at that place. Meanwhile, leaving
the silver received for the proceeds of his goods, he concluded to return to
Lima, and- make one more effort to realize for the balance of the cargo, and
• Nanu-U afU;r Truxillo, in Spain, the birtli-place of Pizarro.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 129
call at Truxillo, on his return to Manilla, for the funds he had left at that place.
With the knowledge that Callao was again blockaded, he felt some little doubt
as to safely reaching his destination. Nevertheless, he was determined to
attempt it. Instructing Captain Woodbury in writing to proceed to Callao at
all hazards, which relieved him as commander of any responsibility, they
weighed anchor. After seven days at sea, about sunset, the port then fifty miles
distant and the wind favorable to shape a course for the harbor, they pressed
forward in that direction. About midnight, atmosphere hazy, stars dim and sea
smooth, with a steady southeast trade wind blowing, they quietly glided be-
tween two vessels of the blockading squadron, a frigate on the one side; and
a brig upon the other, and only discovered their proximity by faintly hearing
the watch cry of*' All's well ;" and immediately on the other side the same re-
peated. Still quietly following their course, unnoticed by the enemy, they
found themselves at the break of day safely under the guns and protection of
the United States Frigate United States, at anchor in the harbor of Callao.
Commodore Hull, then in command of the United States Naval forces in the
Pacific, having very little respect for the blockade, and although somewhat
surprised, he was very much' pleased at the safe arrival of the Cadet, and kindly
offered any assistance needed. [These details are embodied in this brief sketch
more for the purpose of showing the then political disturbed state of the country
and trade, which confronted a young man of limited experience, and little
knowledge of the world, carrying the responsibility which he did, and at a time,
when Spain was struggling to save the last of her Vice-Royalties in America :
the whole country in the hands of lawless bands ; trade irregularly conducted :
duties evaded, and vessels exposed to capture : the ship China of New York
seized, and both vessel and cargo confiscated by the Spanish authorities : the ship
General Carrington of Providence, Rhode Island, captured and brought into
port and condemned : the late William S. Wetmore, of New York, her Super-
cargo imprisoned : to which when we add temptations surrounding him of every
kind, to which he was exposed, and which once fallen into would have been ruin
to himself and friends, it can be readily seen that his position was one of great
responsibility even for a man of mature years.] In the midst of this disturbed
state of things, he immediately proceeded to Lima, with grave doubts as to
whether he could succeed in negotiating the business he had in view. Never-
theless, he did make arrangements with his friends Messrs. Richard Price & Co., a
responsible and influential English firm, to make him moderate advances upon
the balance of his cargo still unsold. These advances were shipped on board
the Cadet in bar silver, and the goods landed, and safely stored in Lima. In-
structions were given to sell the consignment so soon as the fate of Peru was
d;:jtermined (which was looked for daily, as the two hostile armies in the interior
were rapidly approaching each other), and remit to the United States any bal-
12
I30 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
ance of account there might be realized. He then hastened back to Truxillo,
where he took on board the silver awaiting his arrival, and on December lO,
1824, sailed on his return voyage to Manilla, where he arrived in March, 1825,
after an absence of fourteen months. [On the 8th of December, only two days
before he sailed from Huanchaco*, the battle of Ayacucho was fought,
under General Sucre in command of the Peruvian forces, which resulted
in tlie defeat of the Spanish Army, under command of the Viceroy
General Lasema, who was in this final struggle killed. The terms of this
victory resulted in a capitulation which included the surrender of the Castles
of Callao and the garrisons throughout Peru, and a reasonable time allowed the
Spanish Officers to embark for their homes in Spain. This surrender, which
secured the independence of Peru, severed the last link of the vast Spanish
possessions in America, over which Spain had held uninterrupted dominion for
nearly three hundred years, and the old Empire of the Incas was again under
the control of a degenerated Peruvian population.] On the return of the Cadet
to Manilla the owner, George W. Hubbell, loaded and embarked in her for
Cadiz and Gibraltar; at the former port, she delivered a cargo of sugar; and
proceeded to the latter, where she was sold. Mr. Hubbell then returned to
America. He arrived at New York in October, 1825, after an absence of four
years and six months.
His brother Henry he left in charge of his business at Manilla, where he
remained until January, 1826. He returned home with his father Captain
Hubbell, in the ship Sabina, and arrived at New York on the 22d of April
following, after an absence of five years, leaving the business of the house
for a short time in charge of competent and reliable parties.
[We cannot overlook in our numerous interviews with Mr. H. W. Hub-
bell, the vivid recollection and reference that he makes to the exciting subject,
which engrossed the attention of the public on this his first landing from a long
sojourn abroad : tliat of the building of two ships of war for Greece, by Messrs. Le-
roy , Bayard & Co., and G. G. & S. Howland ; the latter at a later period, under the
firm name of Howland & Aspinwall, with whom in our sketch hereafter Mr.
Hubbell becomes closely related. Probably no question ever engaged the
feeling and interest of the citizens of New York in those days, to the extent
which this absorbing topic did. Occurring in the height of the deep sympathy
for the Greeks in their desperate struggle for independence, the most remark-
able in history, the eloquent speeches from Webster, Clay and Everett,
intensified the feeling. The million of dollars contributed in money, in ad-
dition to provisions and clothing, largely by America, to build two small
frigates of 44 guns each, resulted in the sale of the one to the United States to
cover the cost of the two. Finally, the Greek agent, Mr. Contostavlos, a gentle-
• Uuaacbaco is the port of the City of Truxiilo, about eight miles distant in a Northwesterly direction.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY, 131
man of wealth and culture, claimed heavy damages of Messrs. G. G. & S. How-
land, the financial agents : and by mutual consent his demand was left to a
tribunal of arbitration. Mr. Samuel Williams, the eminent and sole American
banker in London at that period ; and the house of Messrs. Ricardo & Co.,
also a respectable London firm, were involved in the case. The Greek fund in
the custody of Ricardo & Co. was transferred at the instance of the Messrs.
Howlands to their correspondent, Mr. Williams. Soon after the removal of
the account, Mr. Williams suspended payment and failed. His acceptances
of G. G. & S. Howland*s drafts were in course protested for non-payment and
returned to New York with heavy damages. This unfortunate and unhappy
occurrence left the New York house, in connection with their extravagant
charges and disputed commissions in the buildings armament, and equipment of
the two ships, in no enviable position. Powerful influence bearing upon the
arbitrators, and strongly defended by the Press, led to a verdict acquitting this
prominent firm from any responsibility in the disastrous result of a loss of
several hundred thousand dollars, which overtook the unfortunate Greeks on this
occasion. About this time Messrs. Leroy, Bayard & Co. suspended payment
and failed, and were not involved in the final issue as between the Greek agent
and Messrs. G. G. & S. Howland. The one ship named the Hudson made but
one cruize under the United States flag; she proved of slight construction, and
was condemned. The other called the Hope was handeci over to the Greeks,
and destroyed at the battle of Navarino, October 1827, in which the combined
fleets of England, France, and Russia annihilated the Turco- Egyptian fleet, and
compelled the Sultan, after a most barbarous war of seven years, to acknowledge
the independence of Greece.]
During the summer of 1826, Henry was commissioned to take charge of a
portion of the cargo of the Sadina to Carthagena in Colombia. It was shipped
in the brig Tampico, Captain N. B. Palmer, in which vessel he embarked, and
sailed in June, making a remarkably quick passage of ten days. After dispos-
ing of his consignment he returned to New York, in the brig Bunker Hili,
where he arrived in August, 1826.
In December, 1826, a voyage was made up to load the ship Sadina with a
cargo for Rio Janeiro* and the West Coast of the Pacific. She sailed De-
cember 26, 1826, under command of Captain Ezekiel Hubbell, and consigned
to him and his son, Henry, on board as joint Supercargos. They landed a
portion of the cargo at Rio Janeiro, and refilled the space with sugars.
They proceeded thence around Cape Horn to Valparaiso, Lima, Payta and
Guayaquil ; thence to the Sandwich Islands, at which places they realized the
outward cargo, and with the proceeds thereof, mainly in Peruvian dollars, con-
tinued the voyage to Manilla, where they arrived in October, 1827. The ship
* BlTerof Jaonary.
132 HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY.
was loaded as on former voyages, with Manilla produce, and sailed for New
York, where she arrived April 14, 1828, performing the voyage around the
world in fifteen months and eighteen days. At the termination of this adven-
ture Captain Hubbell retired from the sea and foreign enterprises.
In October, 1827, George W. Hubbell returned to Manilla in the ship
America, belonging to Messrs. Thomas H. Smith & Son, of New York, where he
arrived in March, 1828, and occupied his former position as chief of his house.
The ship was laden with a valuable cargo to his consignment. After landing
a portion of it at Manilla, she proceeded to China, where she loaded for New
York, and arrived home November, i8'28. During his visit home Mr. Hub-
bell increased the business of his Manilla house, both in Europe and America.
[Thomas H. Smith & Son, the largest operators engaged in the China trade
at that time, and without a parallel since, suspended payment and failed in July,
1828. During the spring of 1827 they shipped 1,500,000 Spanish dollars in
coin, in addition to large amounts of opium, quicksilver, furs and metals —
followed up in the autumn with the America and other vessels with important
shipments. Aiming at a monopoly of the tea traile proved a rock upon
which they were finally wrecked, carrying down several Philadelphia firms and
Messrs. Smith & Nicol, of New York.]
In May, 1828, Henry, as Supercargo, in the employ of Messrs. Hoyt &
Tom, sailed in the sliip Sabina from New York, under the command of Captain
John W. Stirling, with a valuable cargo, and arrived at Manilla in the month of
October of the same year. With a return cargo she sailed for New York in
December following, where she arrived May i, 1829.
In June, 1829, still in the employ of the same house, he again sailed in
the Sabina, Stirling, Master, and arrived at Manilla in October, 1829. Dispos-
ing of the outward investment, he proceeded to China, and arrived at Canton
in the month of November following. With ample means to purchase a full
cargo, he invested his funds in fine tea, and sailed for New York the 26th of
December, and arrived home April 4, 1830, in the short passage of 100 days.
[During his sojourn at Canton on this occasion, it may be noted that an effort was
made by the chief of the East India Company's factory to compel the Chinese
to permit foreigners to live at Canton with their families ; and sailors armed
with guns were brought up from the company's ships at Whampoa to resist
any attempt to coerce the ladies away ; but the Viceroy succeeded in dismissing
them after an altercation of several months, with threats to stop the trade. The
debts of two of the bankrupt Hongs, amounting to about g2,ooo,ooo, were also
settled and paid by six instalments with 12 per cent, interest, and the united
responsibility of the Co-Hong for the debts of its members to foreigners
ordered to cease. An important event which occurred this year (1829), that
of the opening of a new channel to the American trade for placing funds in
China, may be also added. For many years Spanish dollars chiefly furnished the
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY. 133
means with which to buy a return cargo of tea and silks. This new feature in
the trade was a confirmed credit on Messrs. Baring Brothers & Co., of London,
for ;£'2o,ooo, negotiated by Mr. John C. Greene, then Supercargo of the ship
Pmiama, of New York. These bills at that time were taken by remitters to
British India for proceeds of opium and cotton, and sent forward by heavy
sailing vessels (called country ships) to Calcutta and Bombay. Passing through
several hands in India, often withheld by the Hindoos for months, and finally
four months in transit by sea around the Cape of Good Hope to England, cov-
ered about eight months from the date of the bills before they reached Lon-
don. Drawn at six months' sight made fully fourteen months to maturity of
the acceptance. On reaching London they were so disfigured by numerous
native endorsements in India that the drawer's name occasionally became almost
obliterated. At this time Mr. Hubbell had authority from Messrs. Hoyt&Tom,
of New York, to draw, if needed, on Messrs. Thomas Wilson & Co., of London,
for the equivalent of sixty thousand dollars in sterling at Canton. The demand
for bills on England by remitters to India was so great, that without a con-
firmed London credit, his exchange was taken with a local endorsement at a
trifle less than the bills under the credit negotiated by Mr. Greene. These
bills, drawn in sets of ;^250, at six months' sight, did not reach London
for nine months. This slow transit continued until the opening of the over-
land route through Egypt, in 1842, when correspondence between England,
India and China was at once transmitted in about fifty days. Soon after the
expiration of the East India Company's China branch charter in 1834, the
American trade has been principally carried on through the medium of sterling
exchange under letters of credit on London.]
In April, 1830, soon after his arrival home, he took passage in the packet
ship Sylvanus Jenkins to Liverpool. His immediate business in England was
to prepare a shipment of British and Scotch goods adapted to the Manilla
market, in anticipation of the arrival of the Sabina at Liverpool. She arrived
in June, and was despatched without delay, consigned direct to George W. Hub-
bell, at Manilla. On this voyage Anson Ezekiel Hubbell, third son of Ezekiel
and Catharine Hubbell, was a passenger. He was born at Bridgeport, Fairfield
County, Connecticut, April 17, 1807. He had been a clerk in the house of
Messrs. Booth & Tuttlc, New York, for several years, looking forward to
joining his brother George as a partner in the house at Manilla. He, how-
ever, died on the passage, and was buried at sea August 4, 1830, longitude
30° west, latitude 28° south.
After the departure of the Sabina, Mr. Hubbell lingered a short time in
England, in looking after and enlivening a correspondence with his bro-
ther's house at Manilla. At this time the political condition of affairs in Eng-
land and France was unsatisfactory and threatening. The reform agitation
throughout Great Britain was increasing, and forebodings of future events were
134 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
gloomy. Trade was depressed, confidence shaken, and riots fi-equent through-
out the country. During this short interval George IV, the worn-out volup-
tuary, died unlamented, and the accession of William IV gave little hope of his
favoring reform. This state of things impeded business, and discouraged him
in remaining any longer in England. Early in July he left London and visited
France. He was in Paris during the revolution, which, after three days* severe
fighting, resulted in the abdication of Charles X* in favor of his grandson, the
Duke de Bordeaux (the present Count de Chambord, then ten years of age), and
the consequent downfall of the Bourbon dynasty and accession of Louis Phillip
to the throne of France. Having no special object in remaining any longer
on the Continent, he embarked at Havre in the packet ship Edward Bonnafe,
and arrived at New York, September 22d, 1830. [It is worthy of note at this
late period — 1881 — that during his visit to England and France on that occa-
sion, Mr. Hubbell did not meet with an American traveller either in London
or Paris.]
He remained at home until April, 1 83 1, when he again embarked in the
packet ship Sylvanus Jenkins, and sailed for Liverpool, having in charge impor-
tant commercial matters with Messrs. Thomas Wilson & Co., of London. The
renewal of the East India Company's branch charter with China, to expire in
1834, and strongly opposed by the English people, was then under discussion in
Parliament, and which, directly bearing upon his future plans, he watched with
great interest. In London his information was eagerly sought for with refer-
ence to the course and detail of shipments of British goods (of the same character
of shipments manufactured for the East India Company) for American account.
About this time Mr. Joshua Bates, member of the opulent house of Messrs.
Baring Brothers & Co., of London, correspondents of Messrs. Thomas Perkins
& Co., of Boston, who were largely engaged in shipments from England to
China under the American flag, was examined before a committee in the
House of Commons. Important information obtained from him regarding the
economy of the business as carried on by free traders hastened the determina-
tion of Parliament not to renew the China branch of the East India Company.
During the spring he prepared a cargo of goods in anticipation of the
arrival of the Sabina, to be loaded for Manilla. She arrived at Liverpool in May
under the command of Captain William Robinson, and despatched in June
following. Not strong in health, he embarked in the ship and proceeded as far
as the Island of Madeira, where he landed, after ten days' passage. Without
anchoring, the ship proceeded on her voyage consigned direct to his brother
George, at Manilla. After landing her cargo, she was despatched to China,
* The dethroned King with his Tamily and suite embarked on board the American ship Charlu Cbrrotf at
Cherbourg and lauded at CoweM, and immediately repaired to the Palace of Uoljrrood and Scotland.-
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY, 135
and loaded at Canton for New York, and arrived home in May, 1 832. Making a
short stay at Madeira, Mr. Hubbell returned to London, in the British brig
iPw^A^rj where he arrived in August, 1 83 1. He remained in England until
October, when he embarked in the London packet ship Cambria, for New York,
and arrived home in November, 1831.
Soon after he returned home, he received news of the sudden death of his
brother George, who died at Manilla, on the 3d of May, 1831, in the thirty-
fifth year of his age. His death left the business of the house to be managed
by Mr. John McAuley, in winding up of old and open accounts, which was con-
ducted satisfactorily to all concerned. Meanwhile, and during the month of
December, 1831, he opened a negotiation with J. W. Peele, of Salem, Massa-
chusetts, who was then about sailing for Manilla, as Supercargo of the ship
Sapp/tire, The result of this negotiation was an arrangement to continue the
house of George W. Hubbell, deceased, at Manilla, with J. W. Peele and
Henry W. Hubbell as co-partners, and reorganize under the firm name of
Peele, Hubbell & Co., Mr. Peele to remain at Manilla as the resident partner,
associating Mr. McAuley with him in the business. At this time Mr. Hubbell's
relations with England and China, were rapidly extending, and unwilling to again
settle himself permanently at Manilla, it was agreed that he should, within a
certain period, supply a satisfactory substitute to join Mr. Peele. In due time
Mr. Henry Lawrence, of New York, then absent on the west coast of Chili and
Peru, was proposed and accepted by Mr. Peele. Everything satisfactorily
arranged, the Sapphire sailed and arrived at Manilla in May, 1832. Mr. Peele,
on his arrival, accepted the services of Mr. McAuley, and issued circulars
bearing date July ist, I832, announcing the new firm of Peele, Hubbell & Co.
On the first of July, 1834, Mr. Hubbell retired, and in the same circular Mr.
Henry Lawrence, then at Manilla, was from that date admitted a partner. Hr.
McAuley died soon afterwards. Mr. Hubbell continued to advance the in-
terest of the house in soliciting consignments and extending their correspon-
dence in the United States, England and China, and also continued active per-
sonal and confidential relations with them on his own account. Mr. Peele and
Mr. Lawrence retired from the house in 1843, and returned home, leaving Mr.
Alfred H. P. Edwards, Thomas Pearce and William H. Osborn, their successors.
After arranging with Mr. Peele to continue the Manilla house, he char-
tered the fine ship Superior, of 575 tons, for a voyage from Liverpool to China
and New York, under the command of Captain J. W. Sterling. He then em-
barked in the packet ship Hibernia, February I, 1832, for Liverpool. The
financial arrangements to carry out his plans in this enterprise he made with
Messrs. Peter Remsen & Co., of New York. They furnished him with credits
on Messrs. Timothy Wiggin & Co., of London, to the extent of ;^50,ooo, to be
used in making advances on British goods for English account, to be shipped by
136 HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY,
the Superior, and consigned to him under arrangements whereby the proceeds in
China should be invested in tea and silks, and returned by the same ship con-
signed to Messrs. Peter Remsen & Co. for account of the concerned. This
house, George B. Reese, of Philadelphia, and Henr>'^ W. Hubbell were equally
interested in the charter of the ship, and also the commissions in China and
America; also, in shipments made on their joint account from other sources.
The ship sailed from Liverpool May 20th, 1832, and arrived at Canton on the
loth of September following. After 'realizing for this x'aiuable consign-
ment about $400,000, the ship was laden with a cargo of fine tea, silks, etc,
and sailed for New York, where she arrived April 21st, 1833. [It may
be admissible to state that this enterprise was conceived and arranged in
England in 183 1-2, at a time the East India Company's commercial privi-
leges with China and monopoly of the trade was drawing to a close. The
regal manner in which the business was conducted, and the enormous
expenses which it involved, compelled the company to require excessive
prices for their tea, which, in addition, paid a duty of four shillings sterling per
pound. Their Supercargos and the chief of the factory at Canton were sup-
ported in princely elegance ; their patronage at home competed for at extrava-
gant bids, and their ships, merchant men-of-war, mounting 30 guns. This
extravagance had created a growing feeling of grave dissatisfaction. The
English people were unwilling any longer, as a tea-drinking nation, to endure
the enormous prices which the system involved, and a determination of the
country to have the trade with China opened was irresistible. About this
time the great measures of reform, which had passed, inaugurated a new state
of things politically, and Parliament finally, after 168 years* monopoly by a
powerful and influential trading company, fixed upon 1834 as the time the
Company's charter would expire, when British relations with that country
should be thrown open to free trade.]
The cargo per Superior^ and shipment of surplus funds by other vessels,
were sold immediately on arrival, and resulted in a fair and satisfactory return
to the parties in England and all others interested, and terminated the charter
of the ship.
Mr. Hubbell remained at home a few months. During the interval he
chartered the ship Albion^ Putnam, Master, for a voyage to Liverpool, China,
and back to New York. He then embarked in the packet ship Caledonia
August i6th, and arrived at Liverpool, September 7th, 1833. Anticipating the
arrival of the Albion^ he had made ready for shipment British goods, mainly
on English account, under advances, and on her arrival he loaded and
despatched her in October, consigned direct to his friends, Messrs. Gordon
& Talbot, at Canton. He then remained in England awhile, looking
afte^lBhinterest of Messrs. Peele, Hubbell & Co. During this period the
afte^k^int
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 137
abolition of slavery was decreed, Parliament voting the enormous compensation
of twenty millions sterling to the owners of 600,000 slaves, and the country still
rejoicing over the great political victory of the reform bill, which passed in
1832, the people were clamorous for a coronation. In October, 1833, William
IV and Queen Adelaide were crowned with great splendor in Westminster
Abbey. Soon after witnessing this imposing and solemn ceremony, he embarked
in the packet ship -^^.yr^^ for New York, where he arrived December 2d, 1833.
In January, 1834, he interested himself in the one-half purchase of the ship
York, and also the control of her voyage to England and China. He embarked
in February in the packet ship Europe for Liverpool to prepare in advance a
cargo of British goods. The ship soon followed, and arrived in due season.
On this occasion Alexander Hubbell, the fifth son of Ezekiel and Catharine
Hubbell, born at Bridgeport, Fairfield County, Connecticut, June 13th, 18 13,
was a passenger. He was then twenty-one years of age, and had been a
clerk in the Connecticut Bank at Bridgeport, Connecticut, of which insti-
tution his father was President. He was now employed to assist his brother
Henry in the voyage of the York, and fit himself for business in China. On
the 20th of April the ship, under command of Captain J. W. Sterling, and
ready for sea, Mr. Hubbell and his brother embarked, and on the 15th,
1834, they arrived at Canton. [The charter of the China branch of the
East India Company expiring at this time, a peaceful continuance of the trade
was somewhat dubious, and for awhile interrupted business. The Chinese
required new regulations in their future intercourse with the English. The
Viceroy of Canton was unwilling to recognize the newly-appointed super-
intendent* of the British trade, the Right Honorable Lord Napier, who was sent
out by the King, and arrived with his suite in July, 1834, and soon after pro-
ceeded to Canton. The refusal of his Lordship to confer with the Hong mer-
chants, and of the Governor to receive any communication, except a petition,
placed the two parties in an awkward position. The Company had always
sent their communications through the Hong merchants as a petition. The
close confinement which his Lordship had been obliged to observe after his
arrival in July, and the servants in his factory having all left, and the trade
stopped by order of the Viceroy on the 2d of September had, in addition to
the harassing nature of his position, seriously impaired his health, and on the
14th of September he announced his determination to retire to Macao until
reference could be made to England. As soon as his Lordship had left Canton
trade was resumed, and continued with quiet and regularity. The suffering
and annoyances he experienced on the passage down to Macao were too much
for his debilitated frame, and he died soon after his arrival at that place a few
months after landing in China. This event prepared the way to the subsequent
contest in 1839 and 1840.]
13
138 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
Disposing of the outward cargo of the York and purchasing a return one
of tea, he sailed from Canton December 31, 1834, and arrived at New York,
April 14th, 1835.
During the summer of 1835, Mr. Hubbell entered into a joint charter of
the ship Mattakeesett with his friends, Messrs. Howland & Aspinwall, to load
her on joint account with British and Scotch goods for Manilla and China.
He proceeded to Liverpool in the packet ship Caledonia^ where he arrived the
loth of September. He prepared cargoes in advance of the arrival, not only
for the chartered ship, but also for the ship York. They were both loaded,
despatched, and sailed the same day. The York to China direct, consigned to
Messrs. Gordon & Talbot, at Canton, and the Mattakeesett to Messrs. Peele, Hub-
bell & Co., Manilla. On the ist of December, 1835, he returned to New York in
the packet ship Europe, where he arrived January 2d, 1 836. On the 3 1 st of March
following, he married Jane Maria, daughter of Charles Bostwick, Esq., of
Bridgeport, Connecticut.
During the winter of 1836, he again chartered the ship Superior, under the
command of Captain John W. McEwen, for a voyage direct from New York
to China and back. She sailed in May, consigned to Gordon & Talbot, at Can-
ton. His brother Alexander was a passenger under an arrangement to be em-
ployed in the counting-room of the consignees. She loaded, mainly with
freight, and arrived, on her return home, in May, 1837. Alexander continued
in the employ of his friends at Canton, until November, 1837, when his health
failing, he was obliged to leave China. He returned home in the ship Nabob,
and arrived at New York in May, 1838, and died August 31st, 1840, aged
twenty-seven years.
The York arrived on her second return voyage from China in January, 1837,
via Batavia, and the Mattakeesett soon after, from Manilla direct, when her
charter ceased. These two cargoes, coming on the market at a time the
country was upon the verge of universal bankruptcy, trade paralyzed and
during the winter, the suspension of the Bank of the United States, and the failure
of three prominent London banking houses Messrs. Thomas Wilson & Co.>
Timothy Wiggin & Co., and George Wildes & Co., all extensively involved in
their relations with America, it is unnecessary to remark that the result was
disastrous to all concerned.
The York made a third voyage to China direct and back, and on her return
home she arrived in May, 1839, and was sold. This closed Mr. Hubbell's rela-
tions with his friend George B. Reese, of Philadelphia. Peter Remsen & Co.
went into liquidation in 1836.
During the year 1839, he entered into an arrangement with Messrs. Howland
& Aspinwall to represent them in China, for a period of years in a joint business
between China and New York. They purchased the ship Luconia, of 500 tons
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 139
register, each one-half interested, as a commencement of the business. She
proceeded to Mobile for a cotton freight and arrived at Liverpool in May,
I S39. Meanwhile, with his family, he sailed in the packet ship Gladiator, February
28th, 1839, for London with a view of taking them with him to China. Looking
after some special business for his New York friends, and arranging credits and
other means for the China enterprise, at the same time extending their correspon-
dence in England, gave him full employment. Troubles in China foreshadowed,
caused his family to return to New York early in June in the packet ship Roscius,
commanded by Captain Collins. The Luconia arrived at Liverpool and with
little delay discharged her inward freight, and taking in ballast only, she was soon
despatched. Mr. Hubbell embarked in her. She sailed on the i8thof June,and
arrived in China waters October, 1839. He found the British trade stopped and
immediate relations between England and China interrupted, and war imminent.
[The details and merits of the opium question which ended in war between
England and China, the latter paying an indemnity to the former of ;$2 1,000,000
for the opium destroyed by China, and expenses of the war, is now a matter of
history. An interesting account, and the most reliable record of that war may
be found in Dr. W. S. Williams* Middle Kingdom, Vol. II.] Nonintercourse
with the English, however, led to profitable employment for the Luconia^ and
also the ship Ann McKim^ consigned to his care. Covering British property
inward, disposing of it and investing the proceeds in tea and raw silk, and
getting it away from Canton under the American flag, was a source of great
profit to the American merchants resident at Canton, who became the medium
of the English houses in covering and conducting the business of this vast
amount of property.
After employing his two ships for six months in transporting British prop-
erty between Canton and the outer anchorages, and the season drawing to
a close, he despatched the Luconia to Manilla to load for New York;
During the season he had shipped largely of tea to London, transhipped
to English ships outside of the Canton River, in preference to shipping
to the United States. His health not good at that time, he was unwilling
to remain in China any longer; and as the Ann McKim was safely out
of the river, with a full cargo of tea and raw silk, on joint account
with his New York friends, and the trade permanently interrupted at the
near approach of the British naval forces and transports, he decided to
return home in this ship. Expecting the arrival of the Ship! Konohassett daily
from the west coast of Chili and Peru to his cdnsigriment, he made arrange-
ments with his friends, Messrs. Jardine, Mathesori 8e Co., to detain her on arrival
until the expected blockade of the Canton River was raised, and then load
her with a full cargo of tea for account of the concerned, consigned direct to
Messrs. Howland & Aspinwall, New York. Immediately on arrival of the
I40 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
English naval forces in China waters, and notice of the blockade officially an-
nounced, he sailed on the 25th of June, 1840, and calling at Batavia and St
Helena, arrived at New York in November following. He left the ship off the
coast of New Jersey in a pilot-boat, instructing the captain to remain near to
Sandy Hook until he received orders from New York to come into port, and
meanwhile, to communicate with no one. He reached New York the same
evening, and proceeded to Mr.William H. Aspinwall's residence, in College Place,
where he remained incog, until Tuesday morning following. The Luconia^ from
Manilla, with sugars and hemp, arrived a few days after the Ann McKim. The
effect of the news of the blockade of the Canton River, of which he was the bearer,
may be readily imagined and unnecessary on this occasion to furnish it. We
therefore, continue our sketch under a changed state of things. Supercargos
were abolished about the year 1840. Commission houses established
throughout the Eastern world, and competition of trade so great that
foreign enterprise could no longer bear the expense, and thereafter ships
went and continue to go consigned direct to established houses. [The
name, Supercargo, originated centuries ago, with the British East India
Company. Their agents abroad were known as Supercargos, and their resi-
dences and places of business were called factories. To become a Super-
cargo and reach the responsibility of a voyage to China was the height of
the ambition of the young American in the counting-room of mercantile
houses fifty years ago. Frequently navigating unknown seas, visiting remote
places of trade, and declining to take any correspondence, carried with
it a never-failing source of interest as compared with maritime commerce of
the present day, when science has brought navigation to such perfection, and
reliable sailing directions and charts for every sea in common use, and trade
now opened and overdone with all parts of the world, leaves little of interest
to anticipate in any direction to which foreign enterprise may be invited.]
Soon after Mr. Hubbell left China, arrangements were made with the author-
ities at Canton whereby tea found its way down the inner-passageto Macao, a dis-
tance of one hundred miles, and both American and English ships succeeded in
obtaining cargoes. Meanwhile the Konohassett arrived, and was loaded with a full
cargo of green tea and sailed for New York, where she arrived in July, 1841.
The cargo was sold immediately and resulted in a very profitable voyage.
In the winding up of the joint business on tfiis occasion, Mr. Hubbell con-
sidered himself independent and resolved to withdraw from foreign commerce and
quietly settle himself at New York City, but the taste for distant adventures still
lingering, induced him not only to continue his relations with China, but to in-
crease his interest, and entrust it to the management of agents abroad. He en-
tered into new arrangements with his friends Messrs. Howland & Aspinwall,by
which the Shipy<7//« G, Costar'WdiS purchased, in one-fourth of which he became
interested, and which, added to his one-half interest in the Ship Luconia, and
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY. 141
at this time one-fourth of the Ann McKim, he at once found himself engaged
in a business of no little moment. The managing owners were to furnish am-
ple funds to load these ships through letters of credit on London, and other
means, making their commissions for so doing, and thus the business was in-
augurated. In 1842 these plans were in the course of operation. Mr. William
Lawrence, of New York, the recognized agent of Messrs. Howland & Aspinwall,
in China, and approved by Mr. Hubbell, was passenger in the Ami McKim. She
sailed late in November, 1840, and the Luconia soon followed via Bombay. For
some time after his arrival at Canton he unfortunately found himself embarrassed
with two ships in port under his care. The one lying at her anchors seven months,
and the other a much longer period. Meanwhile, Mr. Lawrence suddenly died,
which event left matters in an unpleasant situation. At a later period, under ad-
vices and instructions from the owners, the two ships were finally loaded by
Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co., and despatched direct to New York. The
John G, Costar, with Mr. R. P. Dana on board as Supercargo, arrived at Canton
in August, 1842, from Bombay, with a cargo of India cotton on owner's accoimt,
Having other means under his control, he awaited the forthcoming crop and .
loaded his ship with a cargo of fresh tea, and sailed for New York in December,
1842, and arrived the middle of April, 1843. The longdetentionofthe two ships,
and thereby losing the season, brought their cargos to an over-loaded market,
and the result proved disastrous. Mr. Hubbell was the great sufferer and left in a
position so weakened, and displeased with the management of the business,
that he was unwilling to continue his interest and risk the chances of success
through the same channel in which he had met with disaster. The vacancy
made by the death of Mr. Lawrence was filled by Mr. Samuel Comstock, and
closed Mr. Hubbell's relations with this distinguished firm. This unfortunate
result led, in 1846, through the influence and kind feelings of these friends,
with whom he had been in close relations of business for many years, to placing
him, with his moderate means still left, in a domestic business with which he was
unacquainted. An unsuccessful experience in this new field, terminated in 1847,
in the unfortunate liquidation of a limited business in a very short spaceof time.*
With a view to recover his losses experienced from 1 843 to 1 847, he resolved
to turn his attention to his former field of operations in China, and sailed from New
York in the Steamship Niagara, June 25th, 1849, for England : thence by the
Peninsular and Oriental Steamer Ripon, from Southampton to Gibraltar, Malta
and Alexandria. From Alexandria through the Mahmoody Canal to Rosctta;
and thence by an Egyptian Steamer up the Nile to Cairo. Remaining a few
days at Cairo and its vicinity, he took his leave of the Pyramids and the tombs
of the Caliphs, and proceeded across the desert on camels and donkeys, eighty-
*Mr. Lftwrence was in no wise answerable for the detention of the two ships, and fully exonerated from all
pooalbility.
142 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY,
four miles to Suez, at the head of the Red Sea. Here passengers found shelter
in a large hotel, belonging to the Pasha of Egypt, with tolerable accommoda-
tions. [There was nothing of special interest to break the monotony in travel-
ing over a sandy desert, except the mirage, between two and four o'clock in
the afternoon, when the sands are heated, and which at first sight presents a
strange illusion, and occasionally a Gazelle or Antelope seen bounding across
the beaten camel tracks traveled by caravans for thousands of years between
the valley of the Nile and the Red Sea. At Suez, a wretched filthy Arab town
of about 2,500 inhabitants, he was detained several days waiting the arrival of
the steamer from India with homeward-bound passengers. During the interval
he ventured on a donkey to the " Wells of Moses," called in scripture *'Mahra'*
or bitter waters; about nine miles south of Suez on the eastern side of the sea
in Arabia Petrea, where it is supposed the Israelites first halted after their
exodus from Egypt. The water of these wells he found saline and brackish ;
and still used by the Arabs at Suez, transported thither daily in hog skins on
camels and donkeys.]
The Steamer Precursor from Calcutta finally made her appearance ; and
afler coaling, the outward-bound passengers gladly rushed on board. Soon
made ready to start on her return trip to India, she weighed anchor and pro-
ceeded down the sea to Aden (the Gibraltar of the East, now in possession of
the English), on the coast of Arabia, historically called **Araby the blest :"
thence to Point de Galle on the coast of Ceylon. At this place the jjassengers for
China were transferred to the Steamer Pekin, and proceeded thence across the
bay of Bengal, through the straits of Malacca, calling at Penang and Singapore,
and thence to Hong Kong, where she arrived October 20th, 1849. [Nothing
particular occurred during the trip from Suez except the unusual weather
experienced in the southern part of the Sea. The distance from Suez to
the straits of Bab el Mandeb, the outlet of this sea, is about twelve hundred
and fifty miles; and the average passage by steamer about six days. The third
day out, after leaving the Gulf of Suez, an extraordinary atmosphere encom-
passed the route. The sea was smooth, with not over a ten mile northerly
breeze, which, with a southerly course and speed of the steamer, produced
almost a calm. The sun not glaring; no clouds; everything in the dim dis-
tance wearing a reddish appearance ; thermometer never rising above 92° : at
the same time a sensation of terrible heat and great prostration. Passengers
suffered with vertigo and were frequently struck down when walking the deck,
and there was no relief beyond bathing the head continuously with sea water to
create a moisture on the heated skin. The temperature of the water was from four
to si.K degrees higher than the atmosphere, peculiar to the southern portion of
the Red Sea. During the three days two deaths occurred, and all suffered more
or less. The sixth day out from Suez, early in the morning, to the joy of all
on board, the steamer passed through the straits into the Arabian Sea, when as
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY, 143
if by magic every one was relieved. The simoon that prevailed and had been
blowing in the southern part of the sea all the month — as reported by the
Arabs at Aden — was something more than a severe sirocco and cannot be de-
scribed. While the good ship traveled along steadily over a smooth sea, a
solemn silence seemed to seize the officers and all on board. The crew,
although natives of India, realized the unusual weather. The mercury in the
barometer ranged at extreme low figures, and as subsequently reported by pro-
fessional writers then in Egypt, and in that vicinity, it was something that had
not been experienced for many years, and the most unfavorable month to
pass the Red Sea.]
After ascertaining the condition and prospects for business in China
under the new regulations of trade with foreign countries, he visited Ma-
nilla. At this place he loaded the Bremen Ship Aristides for New York
and returned to China in the French Ship Paquete d Bordeaux, In March, 1850,
he sailed from Hong Kong in the Peninsular and Oriental Steamer jWiZ/^; on his
return to America, by the same route which he passed over on his outward
journey, and arrived at Southampton 25th May. He proceeded to London
and soon after embarked in the Steamer Canada at Liverpool, and calling at
Halifax arrived at Boston June, 1850. [At Point de Galle, passengers from
China were transferred as usual to the homeward-bound steamer from Calcutta
making the connection at that place. On board this steamer, Prince Jung
Bahadoorand suite — Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Nepaul — were passen-
gers. They occupied a large portion of the accommodations on board for
which they paid 46,000 rupees, or its equivalent, ;SJ20,ooo. This young dashing
fearless Oriental, had murdered his uncle Mahtabar Singh, for which he was
awarded a place in the new ministry. Soon after, in 1846, he shot down four-
teen Nobles with his own hand, in the audience hall of the Palace, which made
him Prime Minister. A narrative of these savage acts and reasons therefor he
calmly and willingly related. He was ** en route " as Ambassador to England
with costly presents to Queen Victoria. Upon the eve of landing at South-
ampton the Prince presented to each of the passengers on board a heavy bladed
short hanger, or sword, used by the Nepaulese Infantry when charged upon by
Cavalry at close quarters. At the time of his envoy to England he was thirty-
four years of age.]
Mr. Hubbell was engaged at home for some time in winding up and
settling the estate of his mother, who died during his absence, at the age of
seventy-five years. In February, 1 85 1, he again embarked on his return
to China in the American Steamer Franklin, via England. Finishing his
business in London, he took passage in the Peninsular and Oriental Steamer
Euxine, and sailed from Southampton, following the same route as on his
previous voyage through the Mediterranean to Egypt and across the desert
144 HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY.
to Suez. On this occasion he made the transit of Egypt in comfortable two-
wheel vans arranged for six passengers, and drawn by six Arab horses. Con-
tinuing from Suez by steamer down the Red Sea and through the Arabian, In-
dian and China Seas, he arrived at Hong Kong in May, 185 1. He was
occupied at Canton about ten months, except a short interval, during which he
made a visit to Manilla where he loaded the British Ship Blackfriars for
New York, and returned to China in the French Ship VUle de Paris. She
was the first vessel under the English flag with a cargo from Manilla to
America after the removal of discriminating duties against foreign bottoms.
His China orders all executed, and his interest suddenly calling him home, at
the request and desire of his friends to consult with him in the building of
ships suitable for the China trade, he left Canton March, 1852. Pursuing the
ordinary overland route through Egypt, he embarked at Alexandria and landed
at Marseilles ; thence by rail to Paris and thence to London. At Liverpool
he sailed in the American Steamer Baltic and arrived at New York
the middle of June following. Making arrangements to return immediately
to China and there to remain for several years, he took passage in the
American Steamer Atlantic and sailed from New York August i6th, 1852, for
Liverpool. From London he proceeded to Paris, Marseilles and Alexandria ;
thence by the old beaten track, called the " overland route," and arrived at
Hong Kong October i6th, 1852. From this time onward he was perma-
nently occupied at Canton, and with success, until March 25th, 1856, when he
took his leave of China for the last time. [His sojourn in Eastern Asia and
its Archipelago, and his extensive correspondence therewith, covered from
time to time a period of about thirty-five years of almost continuous relations
with those countries from his early visit to Manilla in 1 821, and Canton in
1823. During this period, his personal observation of events included some
or most of the great changes both commercial and political to which that
Ancient Empire of China has had to succumb in her relations with Western
Nations: and we may add the sailing and return of the United States Naval
Expedition from China waters to Japan under command of Commodore Perry,
which resulted in a favorable treaty negotiated with that country in August,
1854, by which Japan became opened to commercial intercourse with the United
States of America.] He returned by the regular overland route and after leav-
ing Egypt, he varied his former Mediterranean trips and passed through the
Ionian Islands to Corfu and Trieste. From Trieste he made a short visit
across the Adriatic to V^enice and back : thence to Vienna, Prague, Dresden,
Berlin, Leipsig, Cologne, Paris and London to Liverpool, where he took pass-
age in the Steamship Asia for New York and arrived home the first of July,
1856, after an absence of about four years.
Remaining at home a few months and entirely relieved from business
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HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY. US
cares, he made arrangements to go abroad with his family to pass a year in
Europe. With his wife and eldest daughter, the latter then eighteen years of
age, he sailed in the American steamer Fulton, on the 20th of November, 1856,
for Havre, making the passage in twelve days ; passed the winter in Italy,
and availed of the summer months for traveling on the continent; also,
through England and Scotland. On his return home he embarked in the
Cunard steamer Persia, Captain Judkins, and arrived in New York in the
month of October, 1857, after a passage short of nine days from Liverpool.
This trip terminated his travels by sea, a tabulated statement of which is
hereto annexed. Throughout this vast distance, traversed in almost every sea,
he was never overtaken by accident or distress of any nature, though he had
many narrow and providential escapes. His voyages and distances sailed,
which summarize over 370,000 miles, would hardly be worthy of notice if com-
pared with the authentic reports of professional navigators and naval officers.
The annexed table is furnished simply as the historic record of a merchant ;
every voyage stated was entered upon with a carefully conceived and special ob-
ject in view, which system continued by sailing vessels, as before stated, until
about 1840. The character and magnitude of his business from early life were
such as assured him relations, both social and commercial, with the leading
houses of the great mercantile centres of the world. Few of his countrymen
living at the time this brief narrative is written can more fully and accurately
refer to prominent commercial events at home and abroad, and to political
questions connected therewith, for more than half a century, than the principal
subject of this sketch ; but we are constrained to pass on to the most eventful and
the most trying experience of his life, already covering, though brief, more space
than we intended to occupy. To do it justice and relate in extenso the mag-
nitude of his business operations from 1857 to 1868, which abruptly terminated
in an unnecessary assignment, covering liabilities of over three millions of
dollars, fails to come within our assigned limits. The winding up of these
vast transactions at home and abroad ; the irregular management and liabili-
ties of the assignees, one of them a defaulter for a large amount in his
trust ; the enormous and unnecessary sacrifice of property, estimated at nearly
Jl500,ooo; the useless litigation created by attorneys, which alone absorbed no less
than ^175,000, including cost of administration ; the extraordinary manipulation
and novel proceedings, unheard of in the settlement of a commercial embar-
rassment, would furnish material for a volume of no small dimensions, a
few salient points of which is all we can give to complete this hastily written
sketch.
Conversant with maritime commerce and its relations with China and
Eastern Asia generally, Mr. Hubbell interested himself, in 1857, with friends to
some extent in tonnage, mainly as an investment in the freighting business,
14
146 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
especially with those countries ; and at the same time with a view to pleasant
occupation in conducting the correspondence and occasionally interesting him-
self and the other owners in small adventures in aid of giving dispatch to these
ships. With a foreign credit ample to meet his moderate requirements, he con-
fined himself within a safe and narrow compass, not desirous of again exposing
himself to commercial hazard, and quite content and satisfied with his then
pecuniary condition. Thrown, however, into the atmosphere of distant opera-
tions through these limited investments, he unfortunately soon found himself
again interested in a very extensive business, and in 1864 the sole correspon-
dent, and also, to some extent, managing owner of no less than twelve ships and
steamers, and connected therewith a heavy importer of merchandise from India,
China, Manilla, and Eastern Asia generally ; also, relations with England.
The extensive correspondence, which the business entailed, and the charms of
which still maintaining its ascendency in the various branches of domestic
and foreign enterprise, led him to a point — not unusual in the course of a large
business — where he required assistance. Unexpectedly, his associate, Mr. R.
L. Taylor, a capitalist, became alarmed at the extent of their liabilities ; and
at the moment, his mind demoralized and incapacitated to calmly view the
situation, he was unfortunately over-influenced by his friend and confidential
adviser, Mr. John R. Gardner, and in face of a very large amount of available
securities, and without consulting Mr. Hubbell, he decided upon the sui-
cidal act — quite ignorant of the consequences to follow — ^and hastily made
an assignment. Mr. Hubbell, overtaken with surprise, not for a moment en-
tertaining even such a possibility, was compelled, after great urging, to ex-
ecute the fatal instrument conjointly with his friend, Mr. Taylor. Mr. Gardner,
the principal of the three assignees, at once assumed the sole management of
the assets, and while recklessly realizing a large amount of the property, sud-
denly died, when it was discovered he was a heavy defaulter in his trust cover-
ing over one hundred thousand dollars, aside from a much larger amount pre-
viously loaned to him by his friend, Mr. Taylor, upon his (Gardner's) sole
responsibility; while endeavoring to retrieve the immense losses he had
incurred, he held the agency and full powers of attorney of Messrs. Fielden
Bros., a rich banking house in England. This position, with an unlimited credit,
gave him a high and strong standing, far above and beyond suspicion. It enabled
him to conceal his unfortunate private speculations and shortcomings of several
years' growth, until finally, led to desperate alternatives, he conceived the ulti-
mate hope of overcoming his embarrassments by the use of the assigned assets.
Meanwhile, his principals in England were unknowingly suffering in a large
amount of trust funds and balances in his hands belonging to them, all of which
startling facts his death only brought fully to light. But for this unfortunate
position, and his 'great influence with Mr. Taylor and his friends, within
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY, 147
six months, such was their visible success, as shown subsequently, Taylor &
Hubbell would have been financially relieved. On the contrary, the estates
once in the hands of attorneys under an assignment to a controlling power,
which Mr. Gardner's standing gave him, it was utterly impossible, under such
circumstances, to arrest the destructive course of the property. Had there been
the slightest doubt or suspicion of his financial condition, or had Mr. Taylor
been possessed of greater powers of mind and firmly stood upon his financial
strength, no fatal result would have befallen them, as they were, in face of very
heavy losses, unquestionably solvent; but panic-stricken, as he was, and his
feelings intensified, under the influence which Mr. Gardner wielded, caused the
disastrous and unhappy event.
In August, 1874, the joint assignment of Taylor & Hubbell, also their
individual estates were released by the assignees and the assignors reinstated.
At the same time individual releases between Mr. Taylor and Mr. Hubbell
were also exchanged. Mr. Taylor died in January, 1879.
We may add, that during Mr. Hubbeirs home commercial life he was
a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and one of the original founders of
the Mutual Life Insurance Company; also, a trustee of several institu-
tions, and one of the early members of the Union League Club. He was a
liberal contributor to the expenses of the war, and among others assisted
President Lincoln in the sum of $\OQO each, his salary being then only
^25,000 currency per annum.
In view of the many ancient and eminent houses of the past to which
we have had occasion to refer in our narrative as overtaken by misfor
tune, and with whom the living subject of our sketch had extensive rela-
tions, it may not be considered inappropriate in closing to record the follow-
ing lines, that —
" In the fluctuation of mercantile speculation there is something cap-
tivating to the adventurer, even independent of the hope of gain. He who
embarks on that fickle sea requires to possess all the skill of the pilot and
fortitude of the navigator, and after all, may be wrecked and lost, unless the
gales of fortune breathe in his favor. This mixture of necessary attention
and inevitable hazard, the frequent and awful uncertainty, whether prudence
shall overcome fortune, or fortune baffle the schemes of prudence, affords full
occupation for the powers of the mind, and trade has all the fascinations of
gambling, without its moral guilt."
Note.— The Author has Included In this sketch much that is irrelcTaut; howerer, as many of the paasaget
are iniereatlog, he hopes they will be read with satbfaction.
HARVEY HUBBELL, of Long Hill, Fairfield County, Connecticut, is
a gentleman so well known to members of the Hubbell Family, that I deem it
superfluous to write his biographical sketch, preferring to give an original
letter received from him a few months ago, believing that it tells the story of
his life in a much more effective manner than my humble pen could presume.
I also append an article from the Bridgeport Standard of March the 6th,
1878, written in commemoration of the celebration of his eightieth birth-
day.
'■ LosG Hiu^ Fairfield Coistt, Coswecticut, Jaly, I8S0.
Walter Hubbell, £s>4.,
Dear Sir : According to prorabe I give with 107 poor trembling haocl, • brief historr of
mv life ; if it b of an; uite to .roa, or sdt one, jiou are welcome to it, if not, please put it unoag
your waste papers.
I take from the old ftmilj Bible : ' Harvet- was born March tith, ITST.' in the town of Hnnt-
in((ton (now Monroe), in County of Fairfield, State of ConnecticuL After receiving a common-
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 149
school education, I served four years as an apprentice to tlie tailoring business with my father. At
the age of twenty, my father gave me my time, and in company with three other young men, I
started for the then far-off State of Ohio to seek my fortune. We were thirty-three days on our
journey, leisurely walking from place to place. I settled down at my trade in Columbus (the
capital of the State), and after spending a little less than two years, returned to Connecticut to
marry a lady to whom I was previously engaged. On my return home my father entreated me to
give up the West and remain in Connecticut for his sake. I did so, and settled in Weston (now
Easton), in Fairfield County. I took apprentices and drove the business pretty strong, but living
at a central location I was put forward as a military captain, then as justice of the peace, and in
every conceivable form I had offices more than I could attend to, and found them not at all profitable.
I found that it interfered with my business, and in 1836, sold out and removed to New York City,
where I had charge of a large clothing house in the New Orleans trade. Subsequently 1 became
a partner under the name of Taylor, Hubbell & Co. We did a flourishing business ; the year the
war of the Rebellion broke out our assets were $853,000, and our liabilities $125,000, but so
recklessly was the war waged that we had barely enough money to pay our debts before it was
ended. In 1862 I removed my family to Long Hill, Connecticut, where I located a factory for the
manufacture of gentlemen's underwear, and was successful in doing a business sufiiciently large to
restore in part my former prosperity, and now in my old age have enough to live upon without
anxiety or scantiness of living.
I was married to my first wife at about twenty-two years of age, and we had five children :
Orange Scott Hubbell, Charles Elliott Hubbell, Harriet Atwood Hubbell, John Wesley Hubbell,
and Wilbur Fisk Hubbell. In 1856 I was married to my second wife, and we had three children,
Carrie Hubbell, Harvey Hubbell, and Carrie L. Hubbell. The first, Carrie, died when but six
months old (a sweet child, now lying in Greenwood).
The above is a brief outline of my career. I could write a volume that would be of interest
to no one but myself. Now, friend Walter, if the foregoing is worthy of your notice, you can
make any alterations you may think advisable, but if it is worthy of record, I cannot consent to
have it go before the world without an expression of my profound reverence for the Christian
religion, and a thorough conviction that sound morals, and a just sense of religious responsibility,
are essentially connected with all true and lasting happiness. W^ith profound respect,
I am yours very truly,
HARVEY HUBBELL."
"On Tuesday afternoon and eve, the 6th of March, 1878, a numerous company of relatives
and friends gathered at the residence of Harvey Hubbell, Esq., to celebrate the anniversary of his
eightieth birthday. Mr. Hubbell has reached the age of fourscore years with his faculties of
mind and body preserved to a remarkable degree, and presents in his old age a fine specimen of a
true Christian gentleman. Before the war of the Rebellion, he was located in New York City, and
was a member of a mercantile firm for the manufacture of fine clothing, doing the largest business
of the kind in the country.^ Very extensive salesrooms for these goods wei-e also established in
New Orleans, La. But of late years Mr. Hubbell has retired to this vicinity, not far from the
home of his childhood, and established the business known throughout the county as ' Hubbell's
Factory of Long Hill.' Here a very thriving business is carried on, and labor given to hundreds of
people, the sewing machines are run by steam power, and fifty hands are employed to attend them
(mostly women). Work is also sent in all directions into many of the households of the town and
adjoining communities, thus carrying with it the opportunity of labor and the comforts which indus-
try brings. Mr. Hubbell is a most excellent Christian gentleman, possessing noble traits of manly
character, is a thorough business man, and has a large circle of friends and acquaintances who
hold him in the highest esteem and cherish towards him a very warm affection. His vigorous
old age and comfortable surroundings are the natural and just rewards of a long life of industry
ISO HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY.
and Chritftian yirtue. He is now at leisare, the btisineas being conducted bv his stepson. G. F.
Hadlej. May many years yet be given him in the evening of his life. Social pastimes and coo-
yersation were the order of the hoar. His pastor being necessarily absent, some remarks were
made with mnch feeling by Rev. N. T. Merrin, eulogvttic of the man whose anniversary the com-
pany were celebrating. A prayer dosed the entertainment"
Written by " A Visitor."*
SAMUEL HUBBELL, of Baltimore, Baltimore County, Maryland, son
of Aaron Hubbell and Betsey Jennings, was bom in 1804, in Fairfield Count}',
Connecticut; was a graduate of Princeton College, studied divinity, and became
a Presbyterian minister in Baltimore. *He married Catharine Tilden, daughter
of Mr. Tilden, of the Eastern Shore of Maryland. They had but one child,
Rachel Eliza. The Rev. Mr. Hubbell died of yellow fever while on a visit at
his father-in-law's house. His widow married Major O wings, of Baltimore,
who died soon after. Rachel Eliza Hubbell married Leon Barnard, an English-
man. He died leaving one child, Catharine Barnard, who at the present time
(1881) resides with her mother in Baltimore.
HIRAM HUBBELL, of Altamont, Labette County, Kansas, son of
Peter Hubbell and Sally Hurlburt,was bom in Danbury, Connecticut, Novem-
ber I ith, 1805, and died in 1878, as can be seen by the following obituary from
the Unadilla, New York, Times, of January 2d, 1879:
" In Altamont, Labette County, Kansas, November 17th, 1878, at his residence, after a short
illness, Hiram Hubbell, aged 73 years and 6 days.
Mr. Hubbell was bom in Danbury, Connecticut, and while a lad his parents moved to Scho-
harie County. In early life he was apprenticed in this village to Deacon Seeley, a blacksmith,
whom he served seven years. He married Melissa, daughter of Abijah Cady, in Masonville, and
with his younger brother, Solon, moved to Butternuts, and engaged in carriage-making. His
natural mechanical turn of mind and fondness for machinery and working of metals, led him to
associate himself with H. R. Torrey, the pioneer of the foundry and machine shop of that place.
The early death of Mr. Torrey induced him to come back to Unadilla and start the foundry and
machine shops contracted by him with Weidman & Lara way. He ran them successfully for a number
of years* doing a general business, making woollen machinery a specialty. Unpleasant copartner-
ship connections induced him to sell his interest, and he moved to Waverly, New York, and
finally to the West, where he lived up to the time of his death. He was rather liberal in his views,
a strong Henry Clay Whig, with anti-slavery sympathies ; an earnest Methodist of over 40 years,
a conscientious, consistent Christian, and died steadfast in the faith. The peculiar affection of the
throat, of which he died, prevented him from expressing himself in the latest hours of his life. He
leaves a wife and seven children, and numerous friends to mourn his loss.''
• Topied from the Bridgeport ''Standard^' by Miss Carrie L. Hubbell, of Long Hill, Fairfield Coaoty, Cbnnec-
licut, and seot to the Author for this work.
^•^-c*-^ II
^^^...^2^^^^<^_^
LUMAN HUBBELL, of Winsted {in Winchester), Litchfield County, Con-
necticut, son of Silliman Hubbell and Hannah Taylor, was born in Danbury,
Connecticut, August 28th, 1797.
His parents moved to Winchester in 1800, and at the age of fourteen years
he was apprenticed to Earl P. Pease, a woollen manufacturer of Norfolk, Con-
necticut, and took up the branch of " blue dyeing," in which he became so pro-
ficient that he received one thousand dollars per year for his services, " a lai^e
salary in those days."
He resided in Massachusetts for several years, and returned to Winsted in
1828, where he became a permanent resident.
In 1831 he formed a partnership with Mr, Coe, under the -firm name of
Coe & Hubbell. A large business was established by this house, and in 1846
152 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
they erected a new -store, and were preparing to move into it when Mr. Hub-
bell was attacked by a sudden illness, from which he died October 8th, 1846.
He had struggled from boyhood to " raise himself up " into what proved
to be a noble manhood.
His efforts in the temperance cause were successful, and the deep and
heartfelt interest he took in the emancipation of the slaves in the South showed
that he really believed that all men were equal in the eyes of the law. His
unobtrusive piety endeared him to all. He was a kind neighbor, and was ever
foremost in all public improvements.
During his busy life he held many offices of trust, and had a decided taste
for agricultural pursuits, being at his death a breeder of Devonshire cattle.
LUCAS HUBBELL, of Phelps, Ontario County. New York, son of
Hickok Hubbell and Ann Loomis, was born in Lanesborough, Massachusetts,
in 1793.
He was tutor and professor in the University of Vermont (in Burlington),
and afterwards became pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Lyons, New York,
remaining there for fifteen years, removing to Phelps, New York, where he died
in 1 846, after a pastorate of seven years.
JAMES HUBBELL, of Rochester, Monroe County, New York, son of
Ezra Hubbell and Elizabeth Owen, was born in Peekskill, New York, January
7th, 1798.
He graduated at the New York Medical College in 1824, and commenced
the practice of medicine in Palmyra, New York, the following year. He was
a prominent physician in Palmyra for thirty years, and finally removed to
Rochester, where he bought a large tract of land in the northeastern part of the
city, and continued in the real estate business until his death.
Dr. Hubbell was at one time a Presbyterian, but united with the North
Street Methodist Episcopal Church in 185 1.
He was wise in counsel, devoted in spirit, liberal in giving and faithful in
duty. In him the poor and unfortunate always found a friend.
He died November 13th, 1863, and in his will left a legacy of JI500 to the
church, also a building lot for a parsonage.
WILLIAM DAVID HUBBELL, of Columbia, Boone County, Missouri,
son of Ezra Hubbell and Alice Lewis, was born January 12th, 1798, in what is
now Bridgeport, Fairfield County, Connecticut.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 153
His father was a sea captain, and was lost at sea in January, 1805, while on a
voyage from St. Bartholomew to St. Kits, and his mother died soon after, and
was buried in the Episcopal Cemetery in Stratford, Connecticut.
In 1810 he went to reside with his uncle, Captain William Hubbell, near
Georgetown, Kentucky, an account of whose terrible battle with Indians can be
seen on page 85.
Mr. Hubbell is a successful business man, and is much respected.
A very complete account of his remarkably active career has been given in
the Richmond Cofiservator {^xchTtxond, Ray County, Missouri), of March nth
and 1 8th, 1881.
MILOW W. HUBBELL, of Delaware County, New York, son of Joseph
Hubbell, was born February 17th, 1798, and died February 20th, 1880. His
obituary notice is given in full.
'* Died, at his late residence, near Kelley's Corners, Delaware County, New York, after an
illness of several weeks, Milow W. Hubbell, aged eighty-two years, three days. Deceased was
bom in the State of Connecticut; his parents and grand-parents emigrated to this State while he
was quite young, and settled on what is now known as 'Hubbell Hiir while the country was a
wilderness, where deer, bears, and wolves roamed unmolested.
While in his fifteenth year he accepted (as a substitute) the place of a conscript in the war
of 1812, and was in the army three months when it was disbanded, and he was discharged.
His father died at forty-five years of age, and he assumed the responsibility of caring for
his widowed mother and the younger children, laboring hard to procure a subsistence.
At the age of twenty-one he married Mary Faulkner, with whom he lived nearly fifty-four
years (surviving her nearly seven years), to whom were born eleven children — seven sons and four
daughters— seven of which still survive.
Deceased was a man of untiring integrity as a tiller of the soil. Strong and unflinching,
as a politician, in his political views (in early years having held different offices in the town), and
unswerving in his religious views.''
LORING CURTIS HUBBELL, of Champlain, Clinton County, New
York, was born in Lanesborough, Massachusetts, April 1st, 1798, is the son
of VVolcott Hubbell, of Lanesborough, and his wife Mary, daughter of Major
Thaddeus Curtis, a veteran of the Revolution.
Mr. Hubbell was admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of New York
in 1823.
In 1829, he married in Pensacola, Florida, Mrs. Amelia Noriega, widow
of Colonel Jose Noriega of the Spanish Army.
Julius Loring Hubbell was born of this marriage, in Naples, Italy, De-
cember 6th, 1 84 1, and was baptized under the United States Flag, in the
presence of Mr. Hammet, United States Consul, by Rev. Mr. Remy, protestant
15
r.i : *r>^ Mr, l^-.rjrjg C.-rtL-j Ei::bbiiLl =arr-j±ii 2. iecjod -atab, its. IL L
PHtLO FATTERSOX HL'BBELL. oc \Vni.3Ci Wla-Doa CcKinry. Mirme-
v>Ci. -^-ir. oe Strjtm-^i H^iborll ia-i Fctnfrna HavcSeti Partersoa. was bom in
the: v>->BtL '/ ?i:nitc prvrt. Sciub«i C>anrj% Xe^r York, Febniar>' I. 1799^
?>Ir. H-b(>:Il '*is •* brought up a ttrmer" uatil 1 32 1, when he went to
^TTiOr.rLi^i O^-iary :a hi? native stare to '.-ish reLatf'.-es, and while there was
f^Ckff^^^fi '*jy Mr. Wiloox, who had a contract oc the Elrie Canal, tor whom he
worker: at dnll:r.g rocks, for which he received ten dollars per month and
Sv'/ird, rtmaining with h:5 employer until the drilling was finished in the fell.
llf: th';ti entered th* store of William Girt^an, by whom he was employed for
one year, at the expiration of which he was employed in the store of Richard
and George Petrie.
In 1^25 he was engaged by James \V. Goodman, a merchant of Claiborne,
A;a^>arr.a, a ho .va.:; to establish a business in Mobile, in the aforesaid state.
L'n fortunately, the vessel in which the goods were shipped was wrecked at or
n'lar K'ry We-,t, t'lorida. and the enterprise ended.
In 1826 he returned to New York, and visited his parents in Steuben
O^unty, after which he returned to Little Falls, Herkimer Count\% where he
T'::n'^\T\':(\ until the faM of 1827, when he went to Bufiaio, New York, where he
married Mihs Ann Eliza Backus, on June 26, 1828.
In the spring of 1829 he visited his old home in Painted Post, with his
wife.
In the spring of 1831 he opened a hotel and was its proprietor for twelve
years. The Post Office was established at his hotel, and he was appointed
Postmaster, a position he held for several years, a change in the administration
rjiusing his removal.
In 1842 he was appointed superintendent of the "Chemung Canal and
Feeder/' and held the position for three years.
In 1845 he removed to Windsor Locks. Connecticut, and in 1846 returned
to hi-> o!d home in Painted Post, Xew York.
In 1 847 he moved to Corning, Xew York, where he embarked in mercantile
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY. 155
business, and was appointed Postmaster, an office he held until removed by a
change in the administration.
In the fall of 1850 he was elected clerk of Steuben County, and held the
office for three years.
In June, 1856, he moved with his family to Winona, Minnesota, where his
eldest daughter was residing, having married Mr. Charles Henry Berry, in 1850.
During the construction of the Winona and St. Peter Railroad, Mr.
Hubbell was appointed Inspector by Governor Sibley.
He has held the office of County Commissioner for fifteen years in Wi-
nona County, is an elder in the Presbyterian Church of Winona, and has been
a member of the Masonic Fraternity since 1820. As a christian, as an honor-
able man, kind husband and father, he is loved and respected by all who know
him.
From " The Winona (weekly) Republican,'' of Wednesday, February 9th,
1881:
" Masonic Hall, in this city, was the scene of an unusually large and pleasant assemblage on
Tuesday evening, the Ist inst., the occasion being a reunion and reception given by Winona Lodge,
No. 18, A.\ F.*. and A.'. M.*. in honor of P. P. Hubbell, Past Master, Past Deputy Grand Master,
and Grand Prelate, being his eighty-second birthday anniversary.
About 150 members of the order were present, including members from St. Paul, Hastings,
a delegation of twenty from Rochester, together with others from Chatfield, St. Charles, Lewiston,
Stockton, Kasson, Minneapolis, Anoka, Benson, Pickwick, Lake City, St. Peter, Rushford, Lacrosse
and Milwaukee.
Immediately after the lodge had been called to order, Father Hubbell entered the hall,
accompanied by the Committee of Escort. Father Hubbell was introduced to the Worshipful
Master, T. A. Richardson, by Brother I. B. Cummings, chairman of the Committee on Escort.
Upon taking the position &4 the acting Master of the Lodge, Father Hubbell expressed his
thanks lor the greeting and privilege extended to him, remarking that in this his desire to have
the pleasure of opening the Lodge again was fully gratified. He then conducted the opening
ceremonies, during which a prayer was offered by Rev. J. J. Hillmer, Chaplain of the Lodge.
On assuming charge Brother Dye stated that the first order of the exercises would be a
reception greeting, giving every brother present an opportunity to personally greet the honored
guest of the evening. This was a very impressive social scene. Father Hubbell was seated in a
large chair in the East, supported by two members of the Committee of Escort. The members of
the Order passed up in single line, each one being introduced and shaking hands with the venerable
Father, who had a friendly word of greeting for each one. At the conclusion of this greeting the
public grand honors of Masonry were given, followed by the singing of the ode: ' All hail to the
morning that bids us rejoice * — a favorite of Father Hubbell's.
At the request of the Master of Ceremonies some very interesting remarks were made by
Father Hubbell, giving his Masonic history, and closing with a beautiful tribute to Masonry.
He stated that Painted Post Lodge, 203 (New York), was organized when he was a boy at
his father's house, his father being one of the oldest Masons in that part of the State. The Lodge
was organized by Joseph Enos, Jr., who was Grand Lecturer for the western part of New York.
Father Hubbell sent in his petition on his twenty-first birthday, February 1st, 1820; was initiated
in Painted Post Lodge in March of the same year; passed in April, 1820; raised in May, 1820.
In 1822 he removed to Little Falls, New York. In 1824-5 he received the Chapter degrees in
Mohawk Chapter, No. 83 ; removed to Bufl^alo, New York, in 1827, and in 1828 attended a Masonic
156 HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY.
funeral procesBion in honor of DeWitt Clinton ; removed to Painted Post in 1820. At this time
the Lfodges throughout the State had very generally suspended work, owing to the Morgan excite-
ment. In 1832 or 1833 Father Hubbell was a petitioner with other brethren for the revival of the
charter of old Painted Post Lodge, which was granted, and numbered 117. He continued a member
of this Lodge until 1850 ; was then demitted from Painted Post Lodge at Coming, and having been
elected Clerk of the county of Steuben, removed to Bath, where he joined Steuben Lodg^, No. 112.
In 1852 and 1853 he served as Worshipful Master of that Lodge. In 1854 he returned to Coming,
and in 1856 came to Minnesota, being demitted from Steuben Lodge, No. 112, and was a charter
member of Winona Lodge, No. 18, also one of the petitioners for the organization of the Chapter
at Winona, which was granted. Father Hubbell has been Master of the Lodge, and served as
King in the Chapter, and has represented the Lodge at the meetings of the Grand Lodge for several
terms, and been elected Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge for one term. When a
Commandery of Knights Templar was organized in this city he became a member of the same, and
served as Prelate for a number of years. After the death of Prelate Ames, Father Hubbell
received the appointment of Grand Prelate, which position he still holds.
The Master of Ceremonies then called out Brother J. M. Cole, Past Grand Commander,
announcing that the fraternity recognized him as the ' King Solomon ' of the Order in this city
and a long and intimate friend of Father Hubbell, both having come from the same section of the
East. Brother Cole addressed Father Hubbell, and at the conclusion of his remarks, presented two
Masonic books, the * Encyclopaedia of Free Masonry ' and the ' Antiquities of the Orient Un-
veiled,' bearing the inscription : ^Presented to Father P. P. Hubbell on his S2d birthday armiveraary^
by his Masonic Friends^ February 1«<, 1881.'
This feature of the evening was a surprise, and brought forth a feeling response from ihe
recipient.
Several letters from parties who were unable to attend were read, prominent among which
was the following :
*Red Wing, January 31st, 1881.
• B. H. Langlcy and others :
Brothers: The invitation of Winona Lodge, No. 18, A. F. and A. M., to the reunion and
reception to be given by it on the 1st proz. to Brother P. P. Hubbell, in honor of the anniversary
of his eighty-second birthday, is received.
I deeply regret that other engagements render it impossible for me to be present on that
occasion, and with you join in paying to our venerable brother that tribute of brotherly love and
esteem so eminently due to him whose Masonic life extends over a term of years greater than most
of us can count as the period of our human existence.
Although I have not the privilege of claiming with our brother that intimate acquaintance
and friendship enjoyed by those of you with whom he has passed so many of the declining years of
his life, yet it has been my good fortune frequently to meet him, both officially and socially, and
like all with whom he comes in contact, I have become inspired with respect for him as a man, and
love for him as a consistent, faithful, zealous Mason, and have ever found him one of whom it can
truthfully be said :
" Age sits with decent grace upon his visage.
And worthily becomes his silver locks ;
He wears tlie marks of many years well spent.
Of virtue, truth well tried, and wise experience."
Please extend to Bro. Hubbell my congratulations upon the recurrence of that day which
entitles him to count as the years of his pilgrimage a number greater than that beyond which we
are taught that strength is but labor and sorrow — and permit me with you to join in the heartfelt
prayer that he may be spared to join with you in many other like testimonials of the love and
high esteem which he occupies in the hearts of his brethren. He justly deserves every tribute of
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 157
respect and mark of afiection which you can pay him as a man, Mason and Christian. And to yon,
my brothers, I am sure our worthy brother will join with me in saying in the words of one of his
favorite poets :
" "Within your dear mansion may wayward contention,
Or withering envy ne'er enter ;
May secrecy round be the mystical bound,
And brotherly love be the centre."
Wishing you all a happy and long-to-be-remembered occasion, I am,
Yours fraternally, W. C. Williston,
R.*. E.\ Grand Commander/
At the conclusion of the ceremonies the Lodge was formally closed, and the members and
visiting brethren participated in a banquet in the hall adjoining. The accompanying exercises
consisted of singing, together with a few remarks, and closing with ' Auld Lang Syne,* much credit
being awarded to the quartette for their fine music.
The company then adjourned to the main hall and joined in social intercourse, during
which Father Hubbell sang with much feeling ' Burns's Farewell.'
An interesting feature of the evening was a collection of old Masonic certificates and docu-
ments, together with regalia, jewels, etc., used by Father Hubbell in his early days.
The occasion throughout was one of unalloyed pleasure, and will be long remembered by
all who participated therein."
HORATIO WILLIAM LAW HUBBELL, of Philadelphia, Pa., eldest son
of Walter Hubbell, Esq., merchant of New York City, was born on Brooklyn
Heights, N. Y., July 9th, 1799. Jonathan Law, the last Colonial Governor of
Connecticut, was his maternal great-grandfather, his maternal grandfather, the
Hon. Richard Law, was a member of the Continental Congress and first Chief
Justice of Connecticut. At an early age he had the misfortune to lose his
father, and his education was conducted under the supervision of his mother
until he entered Union College, at the age of fourteen. The climate of Sche-
nectady, N. Y., not agreeing with him, he was transferred the following year to
Yale College. A very amusing pamphlet published about 1850, gives his views
of the imperfect .system of education adopted at this latter institution, and sug-
gested changes that would take Yale from the rank of colleges and place her
amongst the foremost Universities of the age. Many of these suggestions have
since been adopted and their wisdom vindicated by the enlarged facilities and
prosperity of her Alma Mater. He graduated with honors in the class of 18 1 8.
Selecting Philadelphia as his future residence, he entered (as a fellow-student
with the late Justice Sharswood and Hon. Henry D. Gilpin) the office of the
Honorable Joseph R. Ingersoll, for many years one of the leaders of a bar re-
nowned for legal erudition and culture — an office famous for the thoroughness
of the instruction furnished to the students and from which many of the most
eminent lawyers and judges have been furnished to Philadelphia and other
cities. After his admission to the bar, General Hubbell traveled extensively
158 HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY.
in Europe, where his acquaintance with the classics and principal modem lan-
guages gave him unusual advantages for the acquisition of an enlarged and
useful knowledge.
In 1825 and 1826 he visited Saxony, and in connection with his friends
William Hart, Esq., and Captain Samuel Candler, of New York, imported the
first flock of Saxony sheep ever brought to the United States.
In addition to his acquirements as a linguist, his mathematical attain-
ments were of the highest standard, and a work which he wrote upon gun-
nery has been adopted as a text-book in one of the military academies of
this country; what is very unusual, he was not only eminent as a mathe-
matician, but of much excellence as a poet. It is seldom that logical exactness
and a lively imagination are combined in one individual as they were in Gen-
eral Hubbell.
In 1842 he was elected brigadier of the third brigade, Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, comprising the troops in the southern part of Philadelphia County.
During the year 1844, in which most disgraceful riots took place, the exer-
tions of General Hubbell and the activity of the troops under his command
saved the Catholic Churches of St Paul and St. Joseph from the fury of the
mob.
The greatest lustre General Hubbell has added to the name has given
him a world-wide reputation. It is that of being the first to suggest the prac-
ticability of communicating between Europe and America by means of a tele-
graphic cable, and suggesting the existence of a plateau at the bottom of the
ocean.
Of course there was opposition, as there always is to every new project
which proposes something useful to the community. When his memorial
was laid before Congress in 1849, asking for the use of a Naval vessel to make
soundings, and try the experiment, the only Senator who viewed the project
favorably was the Hon. Jefferson Davis, so far at least as to move the reception
and filing of General Hubbell's memorial,
''As probably it would be a matter tliat after-generations might be willing to laj hold of and inves-
tigate to their satisfaction.'^
General Hubbell was a facile writer, and a frequent contributor to the
magazines and periodicals of his time.
For fifty years his legal practice was extensive, and his sterling integrity
and the earnestness of his oratory made him very successful with juries. Prior
to the consolidation of the City of Philadelphia, he was at different times the
Solicitor for the districts of Southwark, Moyamensing and Kingsessing. In
his personal character, his sincerity, warm-heartedness and magnanimity were
striking traits. His affection for his family and friends was constant, and his
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 159
attachment to his native country — the whole country — was most conspicuous ;
of its capabilities and future grandeur he was never weary of speaking.
In September, 1841, General Hubbell was married to Miss Rebecca Brooks,
the third daughter of John Brooks, Esq., of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. For
thirty-four years they shared life's joys and cares, when death suddenly de-
prived him of his companion. While visiting relations in the vicinity of Pitts-
burgh, Pennsylvania, on July 23, 1875, he fell a victim to apoplexy, a disease
which seems the cause of death among men of intellect in this country ; a few
shocks of a slight character had given warning, the previous winter, of the
impending danger. When the last summons came, it was fortunate that it
reached him when amidst those who were near and dear to him. He survived
the attack only a few hours. His remains were interred in South Laurel Hill
Cemetery, Philadelphia, on July 27th, 1875, and the following epitaph was
placed upon his monument :
" The Eminent Jurist,
The Patriotic Citizen,
The Man of Honor and Truth.
The Faithful Friend,
The Dutiful Son,
The Tender and Devoted Husband and Father."
HORATIO NELSON HUBBELL, of Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio,
was born in Trumbull, Fairfield Count}', Connecticut, September 9th, 1799.
He was the eighth of a family of nineteen children. His father, Nathan
Hubbell, returned from the Province of Nova Scotia to Connecticut, his native
state, in 1793. At the age of sixteen he was an apprentice to the hatter's
trade, in the town of Brookfield. About this time he experienced a change of
heart, and consecrated himself to a life of benevolence in the service of God.
His mind immediately turned to the Christian ministry, and missionary work,
as coveted fields of usefulness. These desires were warmly cherished and
pursued, until Providence plainly opened before him another sphere of labor,
nearly allied to the one on which his heart was fixed.
Among the first deputation of missionaries to.the Sandwich Islands, which
sailed in 1820, was the Rev. Samuel Ruggles, of Brookfield, Connecticut, Mr.
Hubbell, from intercourse with this excellent man, became deeply interested
in the enterprise in which he had embarked. Accordingly, after the expiration
of his apprenticeship, September 9, 1820, he applied, and was admitted to the
Cornwall School, for the purpose of preparing himself for missionary work,
and devoted himself assiduously to his studies, defraying his expenses entirely
i6o HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
by his own eflTorts. He was licensed to preach the gospel by the Association
of Hartford, February 7, 1826.
On the first of the succeeding September, he sailed from Bridgeport, Con-
necticut, for Boston, Massachusetts, on his way to Nova Scotia to visit some
relatives, and to find some field for useful missionary labor. During the delay
of a fortnight in Boston, waiting for a passage to Halifax, the anniversary of
his birth-day occurred. And the following extract from his diary will exhibit
his feelings and principles, at this period of his life.
** This day, September 9th, I arrive at the age of 27. Thus my days and
years rapidly pass. How many of my age far outstrip me in influence and use-
fulness ? O, that the talent God has endowed me with, might be rightly im-
proved. O, that I might have a prevailing disposition, an abiding desire to
glorify God, wherever my lot in his providence may be cast. How fleeting
are my years ? ' My moments flee apace.' And O, that as they bear me on to
eternity, they might bear me heavenward."
He sailed for Halifax, on September 14, 1826, where he arrived after a
passage of two days. A tedious passage of a week, in a small fishing vessel,
brought him to Guysborough, the residence of his relatives. Spending a
month in pleasant intercourse with a large circle of relatives, and declining to
take charge of a parish in the vicinity, he returned to Connecticut, having been
absent two months.
In the Spring of 1827, on the suspension of the Cornwall School, Mr.
Hubbell was invited to take charge of some twelve Indian youth, and conduct
them to the Miami University, at Oxford, Ohio, to complete their education.
The journey was performed by way of the Erie Canal, and the party reached
Cleveland in about two weeks. The facilities for travel at that time were so
imperfect and uncertain, that after a delay of a few days the company left on
foot, taking a straight course through the woods, first to Massillon, and thence
passing through Columbus, to Oxford. After conducting his charge safely to
their destination, he returned to Columbus, and engaged in teaching.
A few months previous to his arrival, a warm interest in the instruction of
the deaf and dumb had been awakened in the communitv, an interest excited
and matured into practical results chiefly by the efforts of the venerable Dr.
Hoge, of Columbus. An act incorporating an institution for this pupose had
just passed the General Assembly, and a Board of Trustees had been organized,
of which Governor Trimble was (ex officio) President, and Dr. Hoge Secretar}'.
It was soon perceived that the only way of bringing the Institution into success-
ful operation, was to select a suitable person who should spend a sufficient time
at an eastern Institution, to qualify himself for instructing the deaf and dumb.
Mr. Hubbell was engaged for this purpose, and in March, 1828, went to Hart-
ford, Connecticut, to prepare himself for his work. He remained there more
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY. i6i
than a year and a half, witnessing the daily processes of school-room instruc-
tion, and receiving lessons in signs from the experienced masters of the art
connected with that school.
On returning to Columbus, he opened his school for the instruction of
deaf mutes, October i6, 1829. A single circumstance connected with its com-
mencement may be cited as a specimen of the difficulties which were to be
encountered at that time in conducting an enterprise of this character. The
act incorporating the Institution was passed in April, 1827. During the inter-
val of more than two years before organizing the Institution, efforts were made
to enlighten the public mind with regard to the number of the deaf and dumb,
their sad condition of darkness and ignorance while uneducated, and the entire
possibility of their education, as shown by the result of the experiments in
institutions already established in the country. A few weeks previous to the
time assigned for opening the school, circulars stating the character and objects
of the Institution, and inviting parents to send their deaf mute children, were
extensively published in the leading papers of the State. Yet, when the time
arrived, three pupils from the vicinity of Columbus were all that could be
gathered, and two of these were of unsound mind.
Mr. Hubbell, however, was not a man to be discouraged by obstacles.
Before the close of the first year the number of pupils had increased to ten,
and in the course of the second year to twenty-two. When the school was
once established and became known, pupils flowed in rapidly, till the house
rented for its use was so. much crowded that it became necessary to erect a
permanent structure for the accommodation of the pupils.
Mr. Hubbell resigned his position as Superintendent of the Institution in
January, 185 1, but at the request of the Trustees, continued to perform its
duties until the succeeding October. During many of the twenty-two years
of his connection with the Institution, he had discharged the combined duties
of Superintendent, Steward and Treasurer. Within this time four hundred
and sixty-two deaf and dumb children had, for a longer or shorter period,
enjoyed the privileges of instruction. The Institution, from the small begin-
ning of one sane pupil and two idiots, had grown to be the fourth in the
country in the number of its pupils, and had blessed with its beneficence nearly
a generation of the deaf mutes of the State. Six flourishing schools, now en-
joying vigorous growth, and exerting a blessed influence, have sprung from
the seed planted by Mr. Hubbell in the generous soil of Ohio.
He was one of thirty-one persons who, in 1839, united to form the Second
Presbyterian Church, of Columbus, and took a deep and active interest in the
enterprise, which at first labored under many embarrassments, and contributed
liberally of his means to its advancement. For many years he held the offices
of elder and trustee.
16
1 62 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY,
Mr. Hubbell, though not engaged in active service after he closed his
connection with the Institution at Columbus, retained a warm interest in all
labors designed to relieve the unfortunate. His sympathies were moved in
behalf of the idiot population of the State, and during the session of 1854 he
presented a memorial to the General Assembly, urging the establishment of
an Institution for their education and training; thus taking the incipient steps
which have since resulted in legislative action, securing the desired object. He
also engaged with zeal in the work of colportage. The cause of missions never
lost its hold upon his affections, and he never ceased by his prayers and bene-
factions to advance its prosperity.
The last year of his life was spent in preparing for the press a work enti-
tled " Dying Words of Eminent Persons." It embraced the last recorded words
of persons who had acted a conspicuous part in the world's history, from all
professions, countries and times, accompanied with brief biographical sketches
of the individuals whose dying moments were depicted. Its design was to pre-
sent in marked contrast with every other principle, the power of Christian faith
to sustain the soul in the hour of its extremity. The course of investigation to
which he was led in collecting materials for the volume, was a source of great
satisfaction to his own mind, and doubtless contributed much to prepare him
for his peaceful and triumphant death. On Saturday he completed and ar-
ranged his manuscript, and on the succeeding Monday was called himself to
be an actor in the scenes through which he had followed so many others.
The death of Mr. Hubbell was at last sudden and unexpected. His dis-
ease, an affection of the heart, had been for some months increasing upon him,
and gave him much uneasiness. On the morning of January 19, 1857, he was
attacked with severe paroxysms of palpitation and distress, which greatly
alarmed his family. He soon perceived that his hour had come, was ready,
called his family around him, and took leave of each member ; sent messages
to the absent, to his former pastor, and to the church, for which he expressed
his unabated affection. He spoke of his love for his family, of his faith in
Christ, of his readiness to depart, and of the blessed society he should soon
join. That religion, whose sustaining power he had studied in the case of so
many other believers, seemed abundantly to sustain and comfort his own soul.
His last moments were emphatically moments of deep and holy joy. His last
words were words of peace. And the place where he died, so consecrated
was it by the manifest presence of Christ, and so hallowed by the holy tri-
umphs of Christian faith, yet seems holy ground.
Perhaps the most prominent characteristic of Mr. Hubbell was energy
combined with Christian benevolence. His energy was untiring. Obstacles,
difficulties, discouragements, only stimulated him to greater exertions and
more determined perseverance. That he possessed a heart of disinterested
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 163
and warm benevolence, the entire current of his life bears testimony. The
monument which he has left of his labors for the deaf mutes of Ohio and the
great West will long remain to reflect honor upon his memory, and to attest
his title to a place among the real benefactors of mankind.*
FERDINAND WAKEMAN HUBBELL, of Philadelphia, Pa, was one
of the brightest ornaments of the Philadelphia bar, and one of the most
learned and distinguished jurists of the country. He was born in the City
of New York, May 4th, 1801, and was the second son of Walter Hubbell,
Esq., of that city, and Anne Law, his wife.
His lineage through both parents was derived from New England, his
maternal great-grandfather, Jonathan Law, was the last Governor of Connec-
ticut under the Colonial system, and his grandfather, the Hon. Richard Law, of
New London, Connecticut, was a lawyer of eminence, Chief Justice, and a mem-
ber of the Revolutionary Congress. Mr. Hubbell's father was extensively en-
gaged in mercantile pursuits in the City of New York, and died at an early
age. His mother, a woman alike remarkable for her superior mind, and
personal attractions, feeling and appreciating the benefits of a cultivated mind,
used her utmost endeavor to give her children the advantages of education.
She lived to an advanced age to share in the successful career of her son;
who never forgetting her personal sacrifices, cherished her declining years,
by placing and supporting her in the home of luxury and ease.
Mr. Hubbell pursued his classical studies at Princeton and Union Col-
leges, and was a graduate of the last-named, under the presidency of the
venerable Dr. Eliphalet Nott, and read law with the late Charles Chauncey,
Esq., of Philadelphia, whose confidence and esteem he ever retained. From
the time of Mr. HubbelFs admission to the bar, we can only contemplate him
as the lawyer, for in that character his whole future was absorbed, and his
brilliant intellect laid on the altar of his profession, in connection with his
zeal, his integrity, and his fastidious fidelity to his client, and his cause. He
was a lawyer pure and entire, everything around him gave way to his pro-
fession ; to that shrine he dedicated his days and nights, and the dawn fre-
quently surprised him in the preparation of his cases.
His scrupulous care and conscientious attention would not delegate to
another what he might do himself, and although nature would frequently re-
volt at this onerous burden, still the unyielding energy of his will bent her to
* Prepared by hit soo, Alfred Horatio Hubbell, of Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio, for the " Biographical
Eocyclopwiia of Prominent Men of Ohio," aud aent by him to tlie Author of this Work.
3-^ HI ST CRY OF THE Hl'SEELL FAMSLY.
*jx. vri'trt T:ji»:ia hfna, t-c^o 2:i£ni' sc'^jrfal lam fc-c" a:d. ic>r c-MiaE5i£L. for adrxc
kzyty/T iL*«lr!.ar>c*:: his -estrgk:* cq'eI:: 2c*t *i:pc>:y aZlL cc'-::!!d 2t]C lass forever:
h«t ^.^tn^h'i^c. 5J3C ]:ke lie imrric-rt^il D-rinis^. ar lie prcnsirre z^e of 52 >-car?
hi* v:;a ot.'I;n^ :n tit n>£r:ci3a <c*f it? gic'T^'. 2:1 ihe nc»C'Et:5e <.i its power.
A '.riiCifni to 331* rtoole cc'TL^cf-estiousnes^s, a ntarn-r to hi? teihlfiaijaess, was ihe
CTftcci^m of his lErStsd and acmirfr. tise Hosa. WllZiaaa RaTje, Elsq. Mr. Hub-
bell * j^a] J€am5ag and fnfonnalion Trere iai!>oanded ; n-iiils: a s^ckni of law.
bt wa? :n the hab:t of re^iarly 5ti:d}-in^ Kft&en hours each day ; with such
ap5>l3€at:on, hi* Iteming was nece^sarijy deiep and extens:^-e, and his iroo laein-
ory h'rid ;t always at command. His l^gzl jiud^Tnent founded on such a
ba^3% was thertfore seldom at £2::It: led with secant\*, and decided with
c/>nfid€noe-
Thc 3tga] characteristic of his mind was a microscopic power of analysis,
that traced ev'er>- subject to its ir*osi anenuated filament ; and a metaphysical
cast of thought, with a subt]et>- peculiar to itself, which detected the most
dcHcate distinctions.
These intel!ectua] traits gave him that commanding power which he
always heJd. as a counsellor and advocate : and enabled him to develop his
opinions with almost mathematical precision, and with great power and force
of language- His power of generalization was so great, that in ever\- case he
undertook, he determined readily and with ease the leading principle from
a multitude of precedents ; and for this reason, and with the same facility-, he
referred ever>' individual case, however modified by circumstances, to the gen-
eral rule that controlled it.
In the department of a special pleader he had no superior in the United
States. It was a branch of the profession that he peculiarly delighted in,
because it exercised that logical accuracy of thinking for which he was so emi-
nently distinguished, and the numerous pleas which he has left upon the
records of our courts will ser\e as models to the future aspirants of judicial
fame.
In his arguments to the Bench there was an earnest. fearlessness that did
not hesitate a moment about the correctness of its positions, and a confidence
that his arguments would prevail with the presiding judges ; because when he
undertook a cause, he ascertained by the severest scrutiny and study that he
was right, and then demanded from the Bench what its justice was bound to
administer.
As an advocate to the jur>^ he was warm and impressive, consummately
skilful in urging upon them the force of the evidence; sternly argumentative.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 165
his manly tone of eloquence generally succeeded in convincing their under-
standings by the perspicuity of his statements and the clearness of his elucida-
tions, without having resource to the flourishes of rhetoric or the flowers of
oratory.
As his thought was logical, his language was necessarily concise and com-
prehensive ; there was no useless waste of phraseology, and his meaning was
conveyed in a distinct and unmistakable manner. He helped to build, to
elaborate, and (if the expression may be allowed), to clarify the jurisprudence
of the great commonwealth through a period of thirty years ; and the result
of his great labors will be found where those of a lawyer only are to be found —
in the reports of the State of Pennsylvania.
But the intense thought, the acumen, the mental power, labor, and industry,
which led to that result, can only be estimated by those few men who stood by
his side, saw his noble efforts, and know how near he came to the perfection of
his profession.
Such was the character of Ferdinand Wakeman Hubbell as a lawyer.
As a general scholar Mr. Hubbell's classical attainments often afforded him,
when he could snatch a moment of leisure, that delight which only the literary
can feel in the lore of antiquity. He reveled in the odes of Horace, almost all
of which he knew by heart in the original tongue, and the terseness of Tacitus
pleased his taste, because, perhaps, it resembled his own habits of condensed
expression.
We have hitherto spoken of his giant intellect; yet amidst all his cares,
and the abounding industries of his life, he never forgot the duties due to his
Creator.
Mr. Hubbell was a Presbyterian from conviction, and for this cause, and
in connection with his great legal abilities, he was selected to be associated
with those brilliant minds that have adorned the forum of our country (William
C. Preston, of South Carolina ; John Sergeant and Joseph Ingersoll, of Phila-
delphia), who brought the powers of their great minds, their learning and their
ability, to sustain the rights of the Presbyterian Church against those who were
endeavoring to assail its apostolic and divinely instituted government, and its
peculiar and essential doctrine^.
Mr. Hubbell's grand opening of the Presbyterian Church case lasted four
and a half hours. In it he exhibited a thorough knowledge and just apprecia-
tion of the fundamental doctrines of the church, as well as its form of govern-
ment and order of discipline ; but the clear manner in which he showed forth
the encroachment upon its rights, by those holding congregational views
(which views were insidiously undermining the Presbyterian constitution), can
better be expressed in his own forcible language.
1 66 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
" The New School party is emphatically a New England party, it being composed in a grreat
measure of New Englanders, or their descendants. New England Calranism is not Presbyterian-
ism ; they are Congregationalbts, or Independents, and are the lineal or collateral descendants of
the English Independents, who, under the guidance of Cromwell, drove out Presbyterianism after
Presbyterianism had driven out Episcopacy.
Our New England brethren are proverbially shrewd, acate, indefatigable, and ambitions,
and are seldom introduced into our institutions without becoming masters of them. The party
which I represent, termed the * Old School,' have long apprehended a design in their adversaries
to convert the funds, the institutions, and above all, the name of this venerable Church, into the
means of furthering this peculiar system of theology, and various other projects of their own."
Of his personal interest in the welfare of this branch of God's Church,
another quotation may not be inappropriate, as it is the grand peroration of
the whole speech, the touching appeal for unbiased judgment.
" Ours is, perhaps, gentlemen, the unpopular party. There may, perhaps, be some severe
and uninviting features in our faith. It is, however, of too high and inflexible an origin to be
accommodated, at will, to the prejudices of the many. We count not upon the approbation of the
light and frivolous, but I am convinced that all thinking and discreet men will unite with as in a
fervent aspiration, that our visible Church, the ark of a pure theology, may endure until that great
day, when the angel of the Apocalypse shall raise his hand to heaven, and swear that time shall be
no longer."
We must not omit to mention that this grand argument lasted fourteen
and a half hours; and when we think of the energy, the deep research, the
wasted tissue, the midnight oil, the time spent never to return, on this impor-
tant case, we can give no better tribute to his labors than that of Dr. William
Engles. That prominent divine and editor of The Presbyterian [the organ of
that Society], in speaking of Mr. Hubbell, after his death, says:
** The memory of Ferdinand Wakeraan Hubl>ell should be dear to every Presbyterian,
when we remember his successful efibrts in the celebrated case of the General Assembly of the
Presbyterian Church. The clear and powerful argument in which he sustained its rights, the
succinct and lucid manner in which he stated the points of controversy, the clear and intelligible
enunciation of the points of doctrine, the cogent reasoning by which he connected them with the
rights of property, and the finally triumphant results of the labors of himself and colleagues, will
never be forgotten. We cannot refuse this mournful tribute to the powerful and cultivated intel-
lect that has passed away.''
In his domestic relations, also, Mr. HubbeH exhibited the best traits of a
man and a Christian; as a son, a husband, a father and a brother, he had a
heart, kind benevolent and expansive, with charity to all men, ready to dis-
pense aid, and glad to soothe and solace the unfortunate.
Those who knew him best, knew how often his generous hand, his sym-
pathetic soul was opened to alleviate the wants and distresses of suffering
humanity.
His charities were not sounded in the streets, or heard by men, but are
alone known to the Searcher of hearts. In conclusion, it may be said, to the
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY. 167
honor of Ferdinand Wakeman Hubbell (at the time of his sudden death), and
to the honor of his distinguished colleagues of the bar, to find that in a profes-
sion in which there exists so much self-emulation and contention, the living
had the nobleness to render that homage to the dead that his hard-won merits
deserved. The feeling was spontaneous, but just, all seemed to own the loss
of a friend; all paid that tribute of affection to the amiable traits of a heart that
had ceased to beat forever.
He has bequeathed to his profession and posterity the example of a well-
spent life. Such a memory should be long and fondly cherished ; the earth
has lost his spirit, while the grave has added to its mouldering trophies the
mortal remains of an illustrious man.
The beautiful tribute paid to Mr. Hubbull's memory, in the classical
epitaph, penned by his friend, the erudite scholar and refined lawyer, Ellis
Lewis, Esq., has been inscribed on the marble shaft that marks his last resting
place in that beautiful cemetery. Laurel Hill. There, near the scenes of his
triumphs, and near that adopted city he loved so well, his ashes now repose.
*' Hie sepultns.
FERDINANDUS W. HUBBELL,
Jaris consuItUB insignis,
Qui
Legum valde peritus,
Ignavia insidiis sordlbusque omnibus.
Spretis,
Per ingcninm diligentiam fortitudinem,
Per doetrinam virtutis atque per honestas artes
Et hisce soils fretus
MeritoB atque summos honores forenses
Attulit
Non tamen solum egregius fuit scientia juridica
Sed omnes artes liberas literosque elegantiores
Feleciter coluit
Probus interritus Justus et benignus
Fores donnique dilectus.
Nat. IV. Mai» 1801. Ob. XV. Julii 1852."*
ALGERNON SIDNEY HUBBELL, of Newark, New Jersey, youngest
son of Wolcott Hubbell and Mary Curtis, was born in Lanesborough, Massa-
chusetts, about 1800, in the old homestead, which has been standing more than
one hundred and fifty years, and is still in the possession of the family.
He read law with Judge Buel, of Troy, and was admitted to the bar of
• This very complete biographical sketch was sent, to the Author by Mrs. Anna Gib»>on Hubbell, widow of
Ferdioand Wakeman Hubbell, whose memory it perpetuates. His portrait is in the Library of the I^aw AsBoclatloa
of Philadelphia.
i68 HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY.
New York at an early age. On returning to Massachusetts he became a law
partner of the late Governor Briggs, of that State, and remained a few years in
Lanesborough, during which time he was a member of the Massachusetts
Legislature. In 1836 he married Miss Julia Jackson, of Passaic, New Jersey,
and removed to Newark, in that state, where he has since been engaged in the
practice of law, which he still continues. He has been twice a member of
the Legislature of New Jersey. Was a^ member of the Constitutional Com-
mission which drafted the present Constitution of New Jersey, and has filled
many offices of trust in the different institutions of the City of Newark.
FREDERICK AUGUSTUS HUBBELL, of Champlain, Clinton County,
New York, son of Silas Hubbell and Sarah Henderson, his wife, was born in
Champlain, in 1803.
He was an eminent member of the Bar, and died on April 25, 1853, leav-
ing six children.
The following resolutions were reported and adopted unanimously by the
County Court of Clinton county, on hearing the announcement of his death :
** On the 26th day of April, 1853, the death of Frederick A. Hubbell, Esquire, of Cham-
plain, wab announced to the County Court of tlie County of Clinton, then in session, when, on
motion of II. G. Kobbins, Esquire, sec*onded by G. M. Beckwith, Esquire, and followed by remarks
showing the high estimation in which Mr. Hubbell was held as a man and a lawyer, the Court, as
an expression of its respect for his character, adjourned to the next day.
Immediately after the adjournment, a meeting of the members of the Bar of the County of
Clinton was convened in the Court rooms. Hon. Lemuel Stetson was called to the chair, and James
Averill, Esquire, appointed Secretary. After some very feeling and appropriate remarks by the
chairmnn, G. M. Beckwith, A. C. Moore and H. G. Bobbins, Esquires, were appointed a committee
to draft and report resolutions expressive of the feelings and grief of the Bar in this afflictive
providence. At a subsequent meeting of the Bar, the following Kesolutions were reported and
unanimously adopted, and, at the request of the Bar, the Court, after stating that he fully approved
of the resolutions and proceedings of the Bar, and expressing his respect for the character of the
deceased, ordered the resolutions to be entered upon the minutes of the Court. The following is a
copy of the resolutions:
ResoU'edf That we have heard with deep sorrow of the death of Frederick A. Hubbell,
Esquire, of Champlain, who for about twenty years has been a member of our Bar.
liesolved. That by the tleath of Mr. Hubbell we have lost an esteemed friend and brother,
who by his kindness of manner and his untiring industry, by his great purity of character, and by
a uniform exercise of pnifessional courtesy, has endeared himself to the whole Bar of this county.
licaolvcdf That, as a mark of our respect for the character of our deceased brother, the Court
of this county, now in session, be requested to direct these resolutions to be entered on its minutes.
liesolvcd, That these proceedings be published in all the newspapers of this county, and a
copy be forwanleil to the family of the deceased, with the expression of our grief, and our sincere
sympathy in their great atiliction.
James Avkrill, L. Stetson,
Secretary. ChairmaA.
/^r^ <^^ii.tM^
ALRICK HUBBELL, of Utica. Oneida County, New York, son of
Matthew Hubbell and Elizabeth, daughter of Doctor Ebenezer Man, was born
October 4th, 1801, in Utica, and died there January i8th, 1877.
The following obituary is from the Utica Herald:
" Oiir dlj maa greallj slartled jesterda/ b; Ihe very Bodden death of Hon. Alrith Bobbell.
Hr. Hubb«ll had long been the oldest native resident of Utica. He was born here on the
4tb of October, 1801, when our popalation wan only a few hundreds in the midst of an alrooal
virgin wilderneaa, to which hia father had migrated from Lanesborough, Berkshire Coanty, Maass-
chosetti. When he was about aiiteen yeare of age, he became secretary to Colonel Benjamin
Walker, who had been an aid to Oeneral Washington. This employment indicates that jonng
Mr. Hubbell gave then evidence of the business capacity which marked his whole career. After a
service of about a year in which he accompanied Colonel Walker on his tour for collecting dnee
on hb lands in the country about, this connection waa terminated by the death of Colonel Walker,
of whom Mr. Hubbell never ceai^ to speak in terms of admiration.
In early manhood Mr. Hubbell entered into partnership with the late Edward Curran, in
the leather trade, and for many years the Urm of Hubbell & Curran held rank with odr foremost
17
170 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
^•^tjLbliEJiimsti in extent of traossdioos *« veH as is ite strengdi and cixuacter. About 1S55, Mr.
HubbeJl retired iriih m hmiKlitan>e oompHeDcr. and ha» onoe deroiied himwrif to the immgeiait
of Lis propenr, aud to ixK>re ges>enl operatiooa.
JIt. Hubbeli vaE nerer oootcDt tofiLut Limf^ cp villus hlimrlf. His crreHlovii^ cseisy
lad Lim to acliTitr iuir ibe tiommco veal, and be vas alvmys efickni and tboroocb in ererr tnat
ccimmitted to bisi. As chief engincw of oor firedepaitneDt be has had fev peen in his cooi^ge
axkd derutScm. He vas an aAdcrman in 1S41, vasooeof thecommifiaooers forbpildiiy the
jail, and vas tvioe major of the dtr, in 1856 and 1857. In 1S58-9, be serred in the Stale
In all of these capacities be made the poblic intcfeit his object, and it mar be doabted if Utica has
erer had a major vho served it moie diligeotlj and moie futhfullj. In the Senate he vas oob-
sdeotioas and clear-ered in bis eflbrts for right leg^slatkio.
In 1819, the Baptists oi^ganized a secxaid diarcb. the ^rA <d their deDOHunatiao here
baring lieen Welsh. Mr. Habbell, in that rear, bad been baptised bj Elder Galnsfaa, in Whites-
Uoro. In the next jear he transferred bis rdations to the nev Broad Street Baptirt Clnirch in
Utica, and vas its first derk, and long one of its tnotees. He vas a teacher in its Bible daas, and
vas not direrted from this dntj bj public labors. He vas through life zealoos in behalf of his
denomination, often attending and presiding at its oooTcntioot, and ooosecrating bis time and
means to its extension. Last September be vas moderator at the annoal meeting of the Oneida
Association, and vas the oldest liwing Baptist vithin its boonds. He vas a leading member of
the Baptist E/lucation Sodetj, and ibr manj jeara rendered good service as tnutee in the oorpota-
tion of Madison Universitj, and on its building and finance coamiittees gave it the advantage of
bis talents and experience. It is dectsive evidence of the lasting earnestness of his religions prin-
ciple that he spent the last hours that he vas able to be aboot the streets, last Toesdav, in ooUecting
means to relieve the necessities of a saperannoated Baptist deigrman.
Mr. Hobtell vas first a vhig and then a republican. His political convictions vere Terr strong,
and his fidelitj to them never flinched. Into the vork of raising volunteers at the outbreak of the
re^^ellion, he threv bis vhole bearL When readj monej vas needed, be provided it, taking the
securities, and often advancing largelj from his private means ibr the convenioice of the Tolnn-
teen. Our earlier regiments particularlj vere the recipients of manj courtesies &om him in
this vaj.*
He vas at one time a vorking director in the Utica and Black River Railroad; and to
the street railroad he gave no little time and attention to its experimental days. Among the last
business he did, vas attention to his duties as one of the commissioners for the dtr, in the Utica
and Clinton Railroad. He vas interested in manj of our public enterprises as a stockholder, and
has, in manj vajs, contributed to the grovth and prosperitj of our city.
Mr. Hubbell vas gifted vith strong natural talents. He vas careful and accurate in his
biisineHS habits. He possessed a large measure of public spirit. In the offices vhich he filled no
one ever charged him vith neglect of dutj, nor vith seeking his ovn profit out of them. In the
denomination vith vhich for half a centurj he vas activelj connected, fev lajmen in this re^
gion vere more influential or more frequentl j consulted. As that of one vho vent back almost to
the origin of our local communit j, his death is more than the passing avaj of an individual ; it is
the snapping of ties betveen the present generation and its predecessors.
Mr. Hubliell leaves a widov vho has long been in feeble health. Tvo sons, Henrj S.,
and Alfred 8., are in the furnace business in Buffalo, and his tvo surviving daughters are Mrs.
Allx^n P. Man, of Nev York, and Mrs. J. C. P. Kincaid, of this dtj. His health had not been
rugged for some years, but his activitj and energj had concealed that fact from all but his intimate
* When th<* lSr*>t regiment of troops was organized in Utica there were no funds with which to defrav their
exp«*(tM*h to WaMhin^ton, their wage«t, etc. Mr. Iiubb« II allowed himself to be appointed paymaster and himself ad-
vanced all the nec<'s»arjr fundK, ac-conipanying the regiment to Washington for thit purpose. The aums thus ex*
infuded were subsequently refunded to him by the 8tate.
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY. 171
friends ; and he falls, though full of years, like a giant of the forest, whose failing strength its
stalwart Mature had taught all men to forget/'
The following extracts are from an obituary notice which appeared in the
Utica Daily Ohsetver, of January i8th, 1877, a paper opposed to Mr. Hubbell
in politics.
'' Many of our readers will remember the first great war meeting which was held in Uticii in
April, 1861. The excitement was high, and intense enthusiasm prevailed. A subscription was
started to aid the families of volunteers. Mr. Hubbell was in his element. He headed the list
with $100, we believe. Another rich and generous citizen gave $200. Not to be outdone in any
work of that sort, Mr. Hubbell arose and said that he would give $200 in addition to the sum
which he had already given. The announcement was greeted with cheers, which broke forth anew
when his competitor for the honor of giving away money announced that he would add $200 more to
his subscription. The cheers grew into a whirlwind of applause when he increassd his gift to $500,
and his friendly rival pledged an equal amount. If the love of approbation could prompt a gener-
ous heart to such a noble deed, we should count that love a virtue, and not a fault.
In politics Mr. Hubbell was a pronounced partisan of the Republican school. He had
been an active Whig, and helped to organize the Republican party in this county. He never doubted,
perhaps never questioned, the absolute excellence of his political faith. It was imbedded in his
nature as deeply as his religious feelings. If he was sometimes unreasonable in his advocacy of
extreme opinions, It cannot be denied that he was perfectly honest.
In his home-life the more tender and beautiful side of Mr. Hubbell's character found ex-
pression. He was a thoughtful husband, a devoted father, and a most genial and agreeable host*
He loved little children, and the innate purity and goodness of his nature was shown by the ready
love which they gave him in return. Many young men and women in Utica can recall the time
when they were little boys and girls, and Alrick Hubbell stopped his carriage or sleigh in the
street to take them in and give them a ride. It was a little thing hardly worth mentioning, perhaps,
but it illustrated the kind-heartedness of the man quite as forcibly as any words of eulogy.
Mr. Hubbell died in the fullness of years, honored by a community whose welfare he had
always sought to promote. He squared his life strictly by his sense of duty, and won an enduring
place in the roll of Utica's worthiest citizens."
For further notices of Mr. Hubbell, see the " Pioneers of Utica," by Matthew
D. Bagg ; " Annals of Tryon County ;" and the Utica daily papers for the week
following his death.
STEPHEN HUBBELL, of New Haven, New Haven County. Connecti-
cut, son of Nathan Hubbell and Ann Wakeman, was born in Wilton, Connecticut,
April 22d. 1802.
At the age of fifteen, he was placed under the tuition of Hawley Olmstead,
who had an Academy at Wilton. After spending nearly five years in this
Academy, he taught school in what was then called Saugatuck, now West-
I>ort. Connecticut. He afterwards entered Yale College and graduated in the
class of 1826.
In the following year he entered the Theological Seminary, at New Haven,
Connecticut, where he remained three years. After this he supplied the pulpit
172 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
of Mount Carmel Congregational Church for six or eight months, and was
ordained pastor of the church and congregation on May i8th, 1830, a pastorate
which was terminated at his own request at the end of six years.
He was installed as pastor of the Wolcotville Church, on February 29th,
1837, and remained until September 29th, 1839, when he was regularly dismissed.
His third pastorate continued twelve years, in East Avon, Connecticut,
but was abruptly terminated on account of the displeasure entertained by the
parish against the book " Shady Side," written by his wife. Instead of being
stimulated to higher and nobler attainments in the future, the parish deter-
mined to execute judgment upon Mr. Hubbell's family for the supposed
offence.
In August, 1853, he was installed as pastor at North Stonington, Con-
necticut, where he remained for almost seventeen years, doing the best service
of all his toiling years in the ministry.
From North Stonington he went to Long Ridge, in Stamford, Connecticut.
The elements of the congregation were of an unusually mixed character, and
the tide of business enterprises and family relations, were all moving from the
place rather than flowing towards it Here he managed to procure aid from
the kindred of himself and wife, to repair the house of worship, and beautify its
interior; and by this the external circumstances and condition of worship were
very much changed in the place. He continued to labor here with his accus-
tomed earnestness and untiring energy, hoping that some signal change of
internal life might be seen and realized, to the great comfort and advantage of
the community, but while all his hopes were not realized, such were the appa-
rent improvements that the remembrance of these labors are not without
consolation in his years of retirement.
Mr. Hubbell now resides in New Haven, Connecticut, and in the winter
of his years takes comfort in reviewing the precious past, and anticipating the
glorious future.
He married first Martha, daughter of Noah Stone, M.D., of Oxford,
Connecticut, and for his second wife Harriet Thompson, daughter of Ezra
Hawley, Esq., of Catskill, New York, on May I ith, 1859, ^^ Albany, New York.
WILLIAM MORSE HUBBELL, of Huntington, Upper White Hills,
Fairfield County, Connecticut, son of Isaac Hubbell and Sally Hawkins, was
bom in Huntington, Connecticut, February nth, 1806.
In early life he attended the district school.
He was always very studious, mathematics being his favorite branch. He
became so proficient in that particular branch that he studied surveying, and
became county surveyor, a position he held for many years.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 173
He was a prominent politician — an old-time Democrat — represented his
native town several times in the State Legislature, and held many positions of
trust and responsibility in Huntington, where he resided during his life.
He died March 30th, 1856, honored and respected by all who knew him.
LEVI HUBBELL, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, son of Abijah Hubbell and
Clarissa Fitch, was born April 15th, 1807.
He died December 8th, 1876, as can be seen by his obituary from the
Milwaukee Sentinel of December 9th, 1876.
" At 9.30 p. M. yesterday, Hon. Levi Hubbell died at his rooms on Wisconsin Street. It
will be remembered that last Sunday morning he fell on an icy pavement in front of the First
National Bank and broke his leg. He was carried to his rooms, the fracture was set by Dr. O. P.
Wolcott, and kind friends attended him with care. The shock caused by the fall was very serious,
but no fears of his general health were entertained till Wednesday night, when it became apparent
that a serious derangement of the intestines existed. Physicians essayed in vain to give him relief.
He continued to sink, suffering great agony with praiseworthy fortitude, till yesterday morning, when
he became quite unconscious. The last few hours his sufferings seemed less intense, and death
came as gently as slumber. Quite a number of his warm friends were by his bedside during his last
moments. Among them were Mr. and Mrs. E. Sanderson, Mrs. N. J. Emmons, and Messrs. W.
Durand, W. Sanderson, Frank Dillingham, W. B. Hibbard, and Dr. O. P. Wolc*ott. Owing to the
suddenness of his illness none of the members of his family, except his daughter who arrived from
Chicago, had time to reach the city before his death. They were immediately telegraphed for and
will arrive to-day.
Judge Hubbell was born in Ballston, Saratoga County, New York, April 15th, 1807, and was
sixty-eight years old. He graduated from Union College in 1827, and commenced the study of the
law with John Hubbell, at Canandaigua. In January, 1833, he was appointed Adjutant General
of the State of New York by Governor Marcy, and held that office till his removal to Ithaca, in
1836, when he resigned. He had been admitted to the bar in 1831, and took an active part in
politics during these years, being editor of a Democratic paper, the Ontario Messenger, part of the
time. He was chosen to represent Tompkins County in the Legislature in the year 1841.
In June> 1844, he came to the then village of Milwaukee, in the Territory of Wisconsin,
and at once became a member of the law tirm of Hubbell, Finch & Lynde. At the first judicial
election held upoii the organization of the iState in July, 1848, he was chosen judge of the Second
Circuit, comprising the counties of Milwaukee, Waukesha, Jefferson and Dane. The Circuit Court
judges were then members of the Supreme Court. Upon the expiration of the term of Chief Justice
Stowe, Judge Hubbell was chosen by his associates as Chief Justice, and held that office till the
separate organization of the Supreme Court in 1852. In 1851 he was re-elected Judge of the
Second Circuit, his opponent being Hon. Asahel Finch.
In 1853 charges of impeachment were brought against him, and he was tried by the
Senate. The trial was one of the marked events in the history of the State. The present Chief
Justice, Hon. K G. Ryan, was the principal counsel for the prosecution, and the late Hon. Jonathan
£. Arnold for the defense. After a protracted trial lasting till July, Judge Hubbell was acquitted
on every count.
The Judge had the sympathies of a large portion of the community during his trial, and his
acquittal g^ve the people opportunity to manifest their joy at the result, and exhibit their unwa-
174 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
vering confidence in him as a citizen and an officer of the law. A special train left this citv to
receive hira at Waukesha, and on the return of the excursionists a band of music, carriages and a
lar^ assemblage of citizens were in waiting, and hailed the appearance of Mr. Hubbell with long
and continuous applause. The band led a cortage of carriages and procession of citizens to the
United States Hotel, where the Judge and his friends stepped out amid the shouts of thoiisand«.
In the evening huge bonfires were aflame in the principal streets, and another large crowd of people
gathered before the hotel. The Judge, Jonathan £. Arnold, Gen. McManman and others, were
called for in turn, and Mr. Ilubbell and Mr. Arnold spoke eloquently and feelingly of the causes
that had resulted in impeachment, and reviewing the proceedings. Mr. Arnold, then a leading
member of the Milwaukee Bar, was very forcible in his denunciation of the enemies of the Judge,
and created great enthusiasm among the people when he referred to their friend's career in their
midst. At the close the Judge and his friends re-entered the carriages, and another proceasion,
even larger than that of the afternoon, escorted the party to Mr. Hubbell's residence, near the comer
of Astor and Division, where parting speeches by Hon. John White and others closed a reception
the like of which has never since been witnessed here.
The deceased, while in the zenith of his career, was a man of great individuality, and, as he
never wavered from any position he deemed right, he had enemies as bitter as friends were warm
in their attachment to him.
In 1856 he resigned the office of Judge, and resumed the practice of the law, in which he
was very successful. In the presidential contest of 1860 he was a warm supporter of Stephen A.
Douglass. They had studied law together, and were always fast friends. At the breaking out of
the war he espoused the Union cause with alPthe fervor that always characterized him. In 1863
he represented the Seventh W^ard in the Legislature, being elected as a war Democrat. Since that
time he has always acted with the Republican party. In 1871 he was appointed United States
District Attorney for the Eastern district of Wisconsin, and held the office till June, 1875, when he
was requested to resign. During the greater part of last year he was engaged in defending the
whisky suits, and showed all his old-time ability as an advocate.
Judge Hubbell was twice married. His first wife was Miss DeWitt, of Albany, one of New
York's most beautiful and accomplished daughters. She bore him two sons. The eldest has lived
for many years in California. The other. Col. R. W. Hubbell, is a successful lawyer in Oconto.
He served with distinction in the late war, and has been many times a member of the State Legis-
lature.
The Judge's second wife was Miss Beall, daughter of Lieutenant-Grovemor Beall, of Wis-
consin. They had a son and daughter. The son is Dr. Singleton Beall Hubbell, now a physician
in Medford, Wisconsin.
The Judge, always a handsome man, was singularly well-preserved, and retained all the
elasticity and buoyancy of spirit of youth till the very last A courtlier gentleman never graced
society in Milwaukee."
FENELON HUBBELL. of Bridgeport. Fairfield County, Connecticut,
son of Richard Hubbell and Sarah Tomlinson, was born July 25th, 18 10, in
Huntington, Upper White Mills, Fairfield County, Connecticut. He came to
Bridgeport in June, 1826, to learn the trade of cabinet making, at which he
served five years and one month.
In the fall of 183 1 Mr. Hubbell worked at his trade in Macon, Georgia,
and in the spring of 1833 returned to Bridgeport. The following summer
he became connected in business with F. VV. Parrott, the firm being known
as Parrott & Hubbell, manufacturers of furniture.
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY. 175
In the fall of 1835, the above-mentioned firm failed for several thousand dollars,
and in paying one hundred cents on the dollar (which was contrary to the
bankrupt law passed by the Whig Congress in 1836), Mr. Hubbell was for
the following sixteen years obliged to adopt the strictest economy that he
might conscientiously liquidate his indebtedness, which he did to the last
penny, notwithstanding the advice of many of his friends. He still carries on
the furniture business under the firm name of Hubbell & Curtis, Mr. Carlos
Curtis becoming a member of the firm in 1850.
As an honest, exemplary man and sincere Christian, Fenelon Hubbell has
always stood foremost among the men of Bridgeport. In September, 1830, he
became a member of the First Methodist Church, on Beaver Street (corner of
Broad), and since that time has been a constant communicant. He is to-day
not only one of the pillars of the Methodist Church, in the city of his
residence, but one of the most earnest of that denomination in the State of
Connecticut.
The furniture warehouse of Hubbell & Curtis is not only the largest of
the kind in the city of Bridgeport, but probably does more business than any
house in that line in southwestern Connecticut.
LUCIUS HUBBELL, of Huntington, Upper White Hills, Fairfield
County, Connecticut, twin son of Isaac Hubbell and Sarah Hawkins, was born
April 20th, 1807, in Huntington, Connecticut.
Like his brothers, William M. Marcus, Francis B., and Peter, he at-
tended the district school in his boyhood, and when old enough learned the
trade of a stone-mason, a calling in which he had no superior in Connecticut.
During his active life, he assisted to erect the following buildings, many
of which he built by contract : State Prison, in Wethersfield, Connecticut, in
1827; Episcopal Church in Stratford, Connecticut, in 1828; his own family
residence in Huntington, Connecticut, in the White Hills; and a house in
Waterbury, Connecticut, in 1829 ; and a church, on Chapel Street, New Haven,
Connecticut, with two towers. He also worked on buildings in the following
towns during his life : New Haven, Connecticut ; Birmingham, Connecti-
cut; Great Barrington, Massachusetts ; Milford, Connecticut; Newtown, Con-
necticut ; Norwalk, Connecticut ; and Bridgeport, Connecticut ; a stone dwell-
ing for his daughter, in Monroe, Connecticut He contracted and built in
company with Harvey Johnson, a factory for Edward N. Shelton, and D. W.
Plumb ; a rolling-mill for Anson G. Phelps ; the foundation of an iron and
steel works in Birmingham, Connecticut; a grist-mill in Birmingham, for
Sheldon Smith. Contracted for, and built in company with Francis B. and
176 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. '
Nicholas W. Hubbell, a stone factory in Shelton, Connecticut, in 1872, for
Edwin Wooster. Contracted for and built in company with Francis B. Hubbell,
a stone factory in Huntington, Connecticut, for William Wakeley and John
Shelton. Contracted and built a residence in Birmingham, Connecticut, for
Thaddeus G. Birdseye, in company with Francis B. Hubbell, and the two
brothers also built three vaults in Mountain Grove Cemetery, Bridgeport,
Connecticut, for a private family.
Mr. Hubbell erected, without assistance, an imposing monument in the
yard of the " Little White Church," on the White Hills. This monument is
forty-three feet in height, and as a work of art is unsurpassed in the town of
Huntington. It can be s^^n for miles, and is often mistaken for the spire of
the church. When it is considered that for eight years this accomplished arti-
san labored during his leisure hours to complete this monument and carved
and placed in position every stone with his own hands, some idea of his great
industry may be formed.
He died in 1874, and his remains now repose beside those of his wife in
the vault beneath his famous granite monument, upon which is the following
inscription :
"In Memory of
LUCIUS HUBBELL,
Who became a distinguished stone-mason,
as thb monument will attest.
Erected with his own hands and finished
in the fiftieth year of his age.
Died Dec. 28, 1874, uE. 68.
In hope and faith we trust he died,
This tomb cannot his spirit hide.
A brighter column in the skies,
We trust will to his memory rise.
In Memory of
EMILY,
wife of Lucius Hubbell.
Died Nov. 12, 1873. M, 70.
If dust to dust has found its way,
The spirit never can decay,
But like the bloom of spring will rise
To fairer beauties in the skies.''*
SOLYMON HUBBELL, of Ohio, son of Jedediah Hubbell and Hannah
Turner, was born May i8th, 1807, in Ferrisburgh, Vermont, and died October
19th, 1874, in Bedford, Ohio.
* Both inacriptioDS were copied from the mouumeot by the Author while visiting members of the family on
the White Uills, in Jane, 1880.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 177
He delivered the following address at an annual re-union of the Hubbell
family, in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, on October 20th, 1870.
"Rbspectsd Relatives and Friends.—
In an attempt to address yoa upon this occasion, with my limited knowledge of our ancestry,
and the consequent inadequacy to do justice to the subject; and as it will be expected that he who
makes the attempt, will as far as posssible seek to gratify that expectation, I shall be under the
necessity of drawing pretty largely upon the statements of facts and incidents in the history of our
forefathers as gathered from those with whom I have corresponded in my recent efforts to obtain a
correct chronology of our ancestors since the time of their first landing on this Continent.
From an old Family Bible now in the possession of Mrs. Philena Clark, of Bloomfield, Mor-
row Co., Ohio, a sbter of Harvey Hubbell, of Stepney, Fairfield Co., Connecticut, I gather the fol-
lowing very important piece of information.
James Hubbell* — who 'tis said lived to the age of 104 years, — together with a brother whose
name is unknown to me, sailed from Wales and landed in America early in 1600. His oldest son
was Andrew ; the third in descent was Matthew ; the fourth, Gideon ; the fifth, Burton ; and sixth.
Jay, an only son who died at the age of six years.
The brothers settled in the (now) State of Connecticut, and Harvey Hubbell writes me that
the old farm is still owned by the descendants of the said James Hubbell.
It would appear from the numerous progeny in direct descent from the brothers (for they
are about as numerous as the Children of Israel as compared in point of time), that they were not
unmindful of the divine mandate ' multiply, and replenish the earth.' I trace the lineage of the
other brother, beginning with my father's family, back to the year 1730.
In the fall of 1811, my father, Jedediah Hubbell, with my mother and six children, viz. :
Leora, Orrin, Sarah, myself, Maria and Abraham, together with my grandparents, started from
Ferrisburg, Addison Co., Vermont, in company with his brother, Ephraim Hubbell, Martin Shell-
house, Noble Bates and their families, for the 'far west' State of Ohio, and after a long and tedious
journey of six or seven weeks without encountering any difficulties other than those incident to
travel at that early period, arrived at Cleveland and settled in Newburgh, on the banks of Mill
Creek, about six miles from the lake shore. Being at that time but little over four years old, I
could not as a matter of course, appreciate the cares and anxieties superinduced by paternal affec'
tion, and excited by the fearful apprehensions of disaster at each revolution of the wagon wheel
whilst passing through what was at that time known as the Cattaraugus Woods, for the mud was
as deep as John Bunyan's slough of despond, and hemlock roots as plenty as candidates for office
pending an election : indeed so bad were the roads that we abandoned them entirely in places and
traveled upon the beach of the lake. Taking into the account the distance, time of year and
condition of the roads, more perhaps could not have been accomplished by the most sturdy
pioneers of the West, and it will be readily seen that it required not only a strong motive and
a settled purpose, but also tliat untiring energy and ability to endure, characteristic of the early
settlers of tliis country, thus to isolate themselves from the endearments of home and friends and
endure the hardships, toil and fatigue of a long journey, and necessarily slow as compared with
the facilities for traveling at the present day, for there is a slight difference between the move-
ments of the horse team of 1811 and that of the iron horse of 1870.
I believe that my father and uncle Ephraim purchased the Cleveland (now Newburgh) mills
together. Nothing occurred to break the monotony of ' pioneer life ' worthy of note, until the
declaration of war by the United States against Great Britain. As all are familiar with the his-
tory and final result of the war of 1812, it is unnecessary to remark farther here, but there are a
few incidents intimately connected with our own history which I will notice.
• This James Hubbell was the twelHh child of Richard Hubbell, of Pequonnock, Fairfield Coonty, Goqdcc-
ticut(tbe first Hubbell io America). He was born in Fairfield Countj.and is numbered 13 in the Genealogical Records
18
178 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY,
At the time of Hairs suireDder of the garrison at Detroit, it was feared that the British
and Indians would immediately torn their forces upon Cleveland and its environs, as it was at
that time in point of military importance next to Monroe and Sandusky City, and it was re-
ported that they were moving both by land and water for the port of Cleveland with a view to
massacre and plunder.
The endeavor to repel so strong a force being considered inadvisable, it was deemed im-
portant that all should seek safety in flight, and as it happened with the people of Windham,
Connecticut, during the old French and Indian war, although the circumstances were not
exactly the same, —
' Soon all were running here and there in mighty consternation,
Resolving of the town to make a quick evacuation :
Away they went across the fields, hats, cape and wigs were scattered,
And heads were broke, and shoes were lost, shins bniised, and noses battered.'
I distinctly remember the hurry and bustle on the occasion. It was a race for life. Oar
household goods were hurriedly stowed away in the crevices of the rocks contiguous to our
dwelling on the banks of Mill creek, our horses were harnessed, some light articles of furniture
and necessary provisions put aboard of the wagon, the family stowed away under the same canopy
that protected them on their journey from Vermont, and away we started for the township of
Aurora by way of the 'Tinker-creek' road. We arrived at Parker's tavern about midnight,
halted for a few moments and then pushed on like a man fleeing from justice, but early on the
following day were overtaken by Qaius Burke who had remained at home, and finding that we
were not likely to be molested by the enemy, had mounted his horse and' overtaking the fugitives,
bade them return in peace and quiet to their respective habitations, so we returned home right
glad to save the property from pillage, but with no design to blame the man who first alarmed
the village.
A tolerable degree of peace and quietude ensued, and for a time people felt secure, and
betook themselves to their various occupations. Having said thus much of our early historv
and that of our ancestors, I will now submit a few reflections relative to their title to moral
character, and I realize the propriety of exercising caution in speaking of their merits, and a
commendable degree of diffidence in attempting to eulogize either the living or the dead, lest I be
regarded as an egotist, or as making an efibrt to set them forth in an unwarrantable light, or
above what their merits will justify.
I do nevertheless indulge in a feeling of pride when I contemplate that high moral char-
acter, that they, as a family, have sustained during a period of more than two hundred years,
and of them it may with propriety be said that the world is none the worse for their being
in it
I speak not now of that which is generally regarded as christian morals, but of that great
and ennobling principle so essential to the existence of what we deem to be the noblest work of
Gkxi —an honest man — upright in purpose and practice.
Many indeed are the ingredients essentially necessary to the compound, and if in every
case they have not possessed all (and 'tis acknowledged that there are exceptions to all general
rules), yet as a whole, I believe they are entitled to these considerations that if as a family or a
people they have not always occupied the highest positions in life, they have not degraded to
the lowest.
Many of them have filled with credit honorable positions both in Church and State, and
I believe they have invariably discharged the duties of their respective positions with credit to
themstlves and fidelity to their constituents.
As a people they have been law-abiding, subject to the powers that be without vassalage,
dignified without ostentation, prudent and economical without parsimony, confiding without du-
plicity, and arduous in the accomplishment of their purposes with due r^^rd to the rights of
others.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 179
I know of none of the name who has been deprived of his liberty for violating the laws
of his country, or made to expiate his crimes upoi> the gallows, but I believe they have always
been forward to obey the demands of the Grovernment in its time of need as well as in its time
of prosperity. In the recent struggle through which the Government has just passed so tri-
umphantly, I enumerate some ten or twelve of our intimate connections, who have marched at
their country's call to aid in quelling the great rebellion, some of whom have fallen and now
fill a soldier's grave in the land where they fell.
William, my brother's son (and I regard his name as worthy of mention here), enlisted
for the second time, was taken prisoner at the battle of the Wilderness, confined in Anderson-
ville prison, and was there inhumanly starved to death. When we consider the direct or indi-
rect causes of that tremendous struggle, that it was not begun on our part with a view to the
acquisition of territory belonging to others, nor yet with a view to national aggrandizement super-
induced by that unhallowed ambition which in ancient times and European countries has de-
luged the earth with blood, but that as it was a struggle for national existence we feel a degree
of pride in contemplating the heroic achievements of our soldiers, both living and dead, and
therefore we speak of them here as virtues in their lives worthy of record in their history and
to be cherished by us with gratitude to the great Disposer of all events for that mighty inter-
position in the final result.
It has been the means of erasing one of the foulest blots in our national history, but
further remarks are perhaps unnecessary. I will now speak of them in relation to their pecu-
niary condition. As a people they have not been immensely rich, nor yet immensely poor.
There may have been some exception to this, but, as a general rule, I believe it is correct
that they have mostly engaged in some laudable occupation, by which they procured the ne-
cessaries and even the luxuries of life, in many cases.
I know that it b considered by some, that labor is degrading ; but how do you reason ?
'Tis demanded that man shall, by the sweat of his brow, eat bread. If then, I eat the bread of
idleness, I not only violate a divine law, but I live upon the unrequited toil of another; not
only so, but I violate other items of moral laws. I am forced to either violate plighted faith,
or steal. If, then, labor be degrading, theft and non-fulfillments of promises must be ennobling
or exalting. I therefore consider the man that labors as fulfilling a law of his being, and as
such I rank it among the virtues of our people or kinsmen. Labor is a general term, and has
therefore many departments, mental as well as physical.
I believe they will compare favorably in both with the majority of their peers.
Having said thus much of our relations regarding their business habits, together with
other virtues (for I regard it as a virtue), I will now consider their eligibility to the claims of
honesty of purpose. In speaking of the claims to this ennobling trait of character, I shall con-
sider it in the light of obedience to divine law, for it is true that one may be upright in practice
with his fellows in all legal matters, and yet dishonest and unfaithful to hb own convictions of
revealed truth and required obedience to divine law.
A king, who has originated many wise maxims, in giving a synopsis of all, says : what is
it but to love mercy, deal justly, and walk humbly with God.
Loving mercy superinduces just dealing, but walking humbly with God embodies the idea
of passive or strict obedience to divine law in our own family. This trait of character develops itself
more conspicuously perhaps than would be the case with the entire fraternity. There was a time
when there were eleven members of my father's family who made a public profession of the
christian religion, and as they have departed one by one, until at this day there are but five
remaining — four brothers and a sister — it is gratifying to reflect that they all died confiding in
the promise of a resurrection to a future state of blessedness and endless being. Also brothers'
wives, and sisters' husbands, entertaining the same blessed hope.
Some of them have fallen asleep ; others remain to meet and greet us upon this occasion. My
oldest sister, Leora, who died in 1820, also leaves with us gratifying reflections. And now I shall have
done after speaking of the origin of these reunions, or what we have previously called family visits.
i8o HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
Some twenty-five or thirty years have elapsed since we were accostomed to meet at the old
homestead then still occupied by our beloved parents, and spend the day in friendly greeting, re-
newal of family associations, and, as I distinctly remember, resurrecting reminiscences of child-
hood, and among the many items of good cheer and social enjoyment on these occasions, stood
forth most conspicuously, the table, as on the present occasion, richly laden with the choicest
viands, gathered from the well-stored baskets of the members of the numerous fiimily.
Thus have I spoken of our ancestry, their first landing on this continent, their settlement in
Connecticut,* their business habits, their fidelity, their loyalty, their pecuniary circumstances, their
christian morals and social character, together with our emigration to Vermont and thence to
Ohio, and the incidents connected therewith. And now, esteemed relatives, if this be not an over-
drawn picture, permit me to express the hope that that rich legacy bequeathed to as by our be-
loved parents — not in dollars and cents— but in that, the value of which is beyond computation,
viz. : moral character, may be transmitted to our children and our children's children, even to the
latest generation.
On motion of Sardis Fletcher Hubbell, of Michigan,
Resolved, That the foregoing address be sent to Jason Hubbell, of Indiana, as an item of
history, to be made an integral part of the contemplated volume on the Hubbell £unily."f
ELBERT EDWARDS HUBBELL, of Bridgeport, Fairfield County.
Connecticut, son of David Hubbell and Betsey Beardsley, was bom January
nth, 1817, in Trumbull, Fairfield County, Connecticut.
His parents moved to Bridgeport when he was a year old, and he has
since resided there.
In 1834 he entered the counting-room of his uncles, J. and G. E. Hubbell,
wholesale grocers and Boston coasters, where he remained a number of years,
after which, in conjunction with his father he carried on the business of manu-
facturing saddle-trees, and selling groceries by retail.
In 1848 he and Mr. Sherwood Sterling established a wholesale grocery
house at 380 and 382 Water Street, the firm being known as E. E. Hubbell &
Co., the partnership continued seventeen years. His brother, George H. Hub-
bell, took Mr. Sterling's place in the firm, and after the death of Mr. Greorge H.
Hubbell, April 4th, 1877. the firm became E. E. Hubbell & Son, Mr. Charles
E. Hubbell, his eldest son, taking his brother's place, April 17th, 1877.
On April 17th, 1880, Mr. Howard G. Hubbell, his youngest son, entered
the firm, which has since been known as E. E. Hubbell & Sons.
The firm now carries on business at 469, 471, 473 and 475 Water Street,
only a few doors from the old stand.
Elbert Edwards Hubbell is one of the best-known residents of Bridgeport,
and " his word is as good as his bond." He is deacon of the First Congre-
gational Church, established by Richard Hubbell, the First, and eight other
early settlers, in 1695.
* Richard Hubbell, of PequoDDOck, Fairfield County, CooDectlcut, was the first and 00I7 man of the naae
who came to America during the existeoce of the Colonies. This fact was not known to Soljman Hubbell when be
delivered the above address.
t The mafMucripi of JaaoD Hubbell's valuable Genealogical Becord is included in this work, haring been pre-
sented to the Author by William Hoemer Hubbell, of Vandalia, Fayette County, Illinois.
SAMSON HARVEY HUBBELL, of Eaton, Preble County, Ohio, eldest
son of Jacob Hubbell and Jane Truesdail, was born April 6th, 1808, in Clark
County, Ohio.
In 1814 his parents determined to make Cincinnati, then in its infancy,
their future home, and moved there with their family.
In 1827, Mr, Hubbell removed to Eaton, Preble County, Ohio, where
in 1831 he married Isabella Hall Acton, a lady born in Lexington, Rockbridge
County, Virginia.
In 1853 he returned to Cincinnati, and embarked in the wholesale dry
goods business, being the senior member of the firm of Hubbell, Alexander &
Driver, afterwards Hubbell, Driver & Cottom.
After a sojourn of twelve years in the Queen City, he returned to Eaton,
Ohio, preferring to spend the declining years of life in the quietude of a village
rather than amidst the strife and bustle of a city.
Mr. Hubbell is a remarkably plain gentleman, contemning hypocrisy in all
its forms, and in his quiet home in Eaton is beloved alike by family and friends.
1 82 HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY.
CAROLINE HUBBELL, eldest daughter of Nathaniel B. Hubbell, was
bijrn in Dutchess County, New York, in 1808, was married to Richard Cole in
1843, and died in San Francisco, California, January 7th. 1876.
From a child, she was remarkable for her deep earnest piety and a desire
to occupy some influential position in life, where she could be of great benefit to
her race. In 1830 she established a Young Ladies* Institute in New Bruns-
wick, New Jersey, which she successfully conducted for some twelve years,
closing her school in 1843, to become a missionary to China, under the auspices
of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions. In 1843 she became acquainted
with Mr. Richard Cole, who was also to go out to China as missionary, and as
printer of Bibles and tracts in the Chinese language ; after an acquaintance of a
few months they were married, and on October 6th, 1843, sailed from the port
of New York in the ship Huntress^ Captain Lovett, for Hong Kong, where they
arrived after a passage of 136 days.
The journal that she kept during the voyage, is very interesting, will richly
repay its perusal in the description of the varied incidents, connected with a
voyage through so many storms and calms.
We have room for extracts from her journal for only the first and the
last days of her voyage.
''Ship Hyadrtvi, October 6th, 1843.
Can it be possible, that I have taken a final adieu of the shores of my long-loved native land,
of friends dear unto me as myself, and that I am embarked upon the restless ocean, destined to a
far distant land of strangers, not knowing what shall befall me there ! It is even so. The last sad
scene of parting lingers before me in all its interest ; a chord of sensibility was touched unknown
before. The solemn toll of the bell that summoned us to part, the long-continued pressure of the
hand, extended for the last time, the silent farewell, which bespoke emotions too big for utterance,
and then the weeping sorrowful eye as the boat pushed away from us, followed by the waning of long-
loved, long-cherished countenances in the far distance ; this was a scene never to be forgotten. What
heart could but falter and feel its need of more than human aid for support I I turned to the cabin
and poured out my heart to Him, who has promised that as our day is, so shall our strength be.
February 28, 1844.
Arrived at Hong Kong, February 19th, went on shore and remained three days, when we
were met by Brother Lowrie from Masar, and conducted thither. Our passage ended with 136 days,
during all which time we were kept as in the hollow of an Almighty hand, and were not permitted
to sufler even with fear.
Our emotions on arriving in a heathen land, it is difficult to express in adequate language.
A view of the heathen as they are, is enough to move a heart of adamant May Crod grant us long
life in their midst and make us eminently faithful to the end.''
While there, she was engaged in missionary labor, in which she was very
efficient and successful. A son was born to them in China, in 1848. They
also adopted as their own child a Chinese infant giving her the name of Annie
S. Cole (she is now, 1881, living in San Francisco, California).
In 1853, owing to the ill health of her husband, she returned to San Fran-
cisco, and subsequently for a number of years had charge of the " Woman's
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMH.Y. 183
Mission to Chinese Women and Children^'' in that city, in which work she was
engaged at the time of her death.
In their Annual Report of the Mission for the year ending December 31st,
1875, the officers of the Society say:
" In presenting our Annual Report, at the close of this the sixth year of oar activities as an
organic body, we find ourselves sitting in the shadow of a deep grief* and suffering what to us seems
an irreparable loss. During the last week of our school year, one faithful and beloved missionary,
Mrs. Caroline Hubbell Cole, was called from her earthly labors, to the blessed ei^oyment of her
longer life to the rest that remaineth to the full recompense of reward.''
Further on the Report says :
'^ That her labors were very successful, training several hundred children, and through them
reaching many parents and homes.''
She had also a large Bible Class at the Mission, the pupils of which were
warmly attached to her. By the children of the day-school she was regarded
with reverent aflection, as will be best evinced by the following letter recently
received by Mrs. Cole from three of her most interesting pupils, who had
recently returned to China. Their ages were seven, nine and eleven respec-
tively. The quaint and original style of the letter warrants its presentation.
It was written in Chinese, and the translation reads thus :
'* Respectively the answer to the foreign lady is laid upon her boudoir to meet the glance of
her eye.
Your pupils in the fillh month and thirteenth day, had already arrived at Canton the capital,
and on the same day departed into the country in perfect health and prosperity, and all because of
trust in the teacher's gospel.
But because your pupil's father and children have just reached home, we have very much
business, and not a moment's leisure, and have not therefore gone to the worship hall, nor to the
gospel chapel in the city (Canton) to visit. We earnestly beg that you will not be displeiCsed.
You, lady, will cherish in memory your Si Mooeh and the others. You will ten parts* remember
and love us. You have towards us the heart of a father and mother. We three pupils will take a
day, and ourselves will walk to the gospel chapel and worship, all to pay our respects to each of the
teachers, and again to listen to doctrines, which is a delightful prospect.
Formerly you, lady, taught us pupils, and it was like sitting, and being fanned by the sooth-
ing breezes of the spring season. Your pupils. •
81 Mooeh.
Ah Han.
Ah Sho.
Together do Kan-tan (i. e., bow their heads down to the earth in obeisance). QuaxShoi,
Emperor. 1st year, 7th month, 9th day."
No better tribute could be paid to the devoted faithfulness of this earnest
and devout woman.
A few years previous to her death, she buried her only son,t (who was
grown to man's estate), and her husband.J
* The Ten Conimandments.
t Name unkoown to the Author.
X Prepared from matter kindly rurnished by William Lafayette Habbell, Esq., of New York aty, N. Y.
^^^-^-T^^^dy^S^ ^^^.£<«*t^
WILLIAM SHELTON HUBBELL, of Benzonia, Benzie County.
Michigan, eldest son of Samuel Hubbell and Betsey Shelton, was bom in
Stratford, Fairfield County, Connecticut, July 23d, 1812.
His father died very suddenly in September, iSiJ, leaving his mother in
reduced circumstances, with two children, himself and a baby brother, Richard
Mansfield Hubbell, now of Norwich, Connecticut. In the spring of 1820, when
eight years old, his mother married James Fitts, of West Hartford, Connecticut,
a woollen manufacturer by trade. William lived at home with his step-father,
going to school in the winter, and working during the summer at the woollen
trade and on the farm. In 1828, when sixteen years old, he was apprenticed
for four years to learn the trade of a woollen manufacturer, with Fitts & Gilbert,
of Orange, Connecticut. While at Orange working at his trade, at the age of
eighteen, he joined a temperance society, and has kept the pledge he then took
to the present day (1881). In 1831 he experienced religion and joined the
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY. . 185
Congregational Church of Orange, and has always been an active church-
member.
In May, 1832, at the age of twenty, having faithfully served his appren-
ticeship, he started for the then far west State of Ohio, departing on the steam-
boat Sun, owned by Vanderbilt, and running from Bridgeport, Connecticut,
to Albany, New York, thence by packet line canal boat Tdegraph, Captain
Chapin, to Buffalo, New York, and from there by steamboat to Erie, Pennsyl-
vania, from there he walked through an almost unbroken wilderness, sixty-five
miles, to Gustavus, Trumbull County, Ohio. For thirty miles there were no
houses on the old salt trail, which he took.
In the fall he went to Warren, Ohio, and worked at his trade, all the work
in the factory being done by hand, except carding and fulling, which was done
by water-power. He returned to Gustavus during the following winter, and
early in the spring commenced the erection of a woollen mill at the latter place,
in company with L. W. Case.
Mr. Hubbell was married on August 13th, 1833, to Eliza Case, daughter
of Deacon Asa Case, of Gustavus, by the Reverend Joseph Badger, a cele-
brated Missionary to the Indians.
The woollen mill erected by Mr. Hubbell and Mr. Case was the first one
built in Northeastern Ohio north of Warren ; it was driven by ox-power, the
oxen being placed on an endless track, such as is used now (i 881) by farmers.
Mr. Hubbell built all the machinery for the manufacture of cloth, flannel and
yarn, excepting the shearing machine, which was bought in Vermont, shipped
to Ashtabula, Ohio,- on Lake Erie, and thence hauled by team to Gustavus, at
a great expense. All the iron used in the construction of the machines was
purchased in Pittsburgh, and hauled by teams about a hundred miles to Gus-
tavus. Although they labored under many disadvantages in building the
machinery, in many cases having first to make the tools to work with, the
factory was completed and started in the spring of 1834.
The factory was run successfully by ox-power for two years. In August,
1836, Mr. Hubbell bought an engine and boiler in Pittsburgh, and put them
up in the factory. This was the only steam engine to be seen for miles, and
was a great curiosity to the people of the surrounding country. He continued
to run this factory until May, 1839, in which year he sold out and moved to
Plymouth, Ashtabula County, Ohio, where he built a water-power woollen
factory, in which he started the first power spinning-jack and power loom ever
run in Northern Ohio. In May, 1844, he removed to Chenango, Pennsylvania,
where he built a dam across the Chenango river, and erected a large woollen
mill, store, ashery and two dwelling-houses.
A mistake having been made in taking the level, the dam backed a long
distance up the stream, in consequence of which the neighbors became much
19
1 86 . HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY,
incensccr, believing that it made the locality unhealthy. In the fall of 1846 a
mob of about fifty men tried to tear the dam out, working all one aftemoon
unsuccessfully, Mr. Hubbell and his workmen repairing the damage to the
.same in about two hours ; and until a very few years ago, the dam was still
there. The same fall he took a partner in the business. Through ddits of
his partner paid out of the business, and the burning of his &ictory by an in-
cendiary, he became much involved, and made an assignment of all his prop-
erty for the benefit of his creditors, was released by them, and moved to Guil-
ford, Connecticut, penniless, but not broken-hearted. In Guilford he entered
into partnership with Mr. Johnson, built and operated a woollen &ctoiy for two
years, when he sold out his interest and returned to Gustavus, Ohio, in the fell
of 1849.
In the spring of 1850 he removed to Kingsville, Ashtabula County, Ohio,
and took charge of the woollen factory of S. C. Osbom & Co., of which he
was foreman for one year.
In 1851 he went into partnership with Amos Burnett, and built a woollen
mill on the Conneaut river, and in 1852 bought out Mr. BumetL
In the fall of 1854 he opened a store in the village, in connection with
the manufacturing business. About this time he commenced the business of
buying woollen waste, and after cleaning it, shipped it East, to be manufac-
tured into the finest all-wool cloths ; and in connection with this business, he
traveled very extensively throughout the West for several years, buying wool,
wool waste and pelts. The business of buying and selling manu&cturers' ma-
terials gradually absorbed all his time and attention, so that tlie factory was
finally discontinued, and the building torn down in i860, the machinery hav-
ing been previously disposed of.
In the summer of i860 he and his wife, and wife's brother, visited L. W.
Case, at Benzonia, Michigan, who had just removed from Ohio to that then
wilderness, and he was so much pleased with the country, that in Januar}',
1862, accompanied by his oldest son, Lucius William Hubbell, he started
for the wilderness overland, by rail, to Ferrysburgh, from which place it i^-as
one hundred and twenty miles through the lumber country, with only a few
small lumbering towns intervening. The snow was over two feet deep, weather
very severe, and roads very poor. They traveled by stage and team to Ma-
nistee eighty miles, from which place it was about forty miles through a dense
forest, with no road but an Indian trail, over which the mail was carried oooc
a week by an Indian. Falling in with a man who had a horse, they built a
small jumper of poles, and accomplished the remainder of the journey in two
days. Here they located several tracts of land, and in the spring he returned
to Ohio to attend to his wool business. In the succeeding fell he again re-
turned to Michigan, accompanied by his son, Lucius William HubbdL and
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 187
wife. At this time he took with him machinery for a small grist-mill, there
being no grist-mill in the settlement, nor within many miles of it The ma-
chinery was freighted to Benzonia with great difficulty, and during the fall
and winter a dam was built across a small spring brook, affording excellent
power; a log building 18 by 24 feet was put up, the pioneer mill completed,,
and the first grist ground in February, 1863, much to the joy and relief of the
surrounding inhabitants, most of whom were present waiting for grists to be
ground for their suppers. The following fall he moved the remainder of his
family to Benzonia, and has since resided there.
Mr. Hubbell was appointed one of the commissioners to perfect the orga-
nization of Benzie County, has held many offices of trust and honor, was one
of the charter members of the Benzie County Agricultural Society, and has
been re-elected President of the Society for eleven consecutive years.
ORANGE SCOTT HUBBELL, of Stratford, Fairfield County, Connec-
ticut, son of Harvey Hubbell and Polly Sherman, was born in Easton, Con-
necticut, December 12th, 1820.
Was educated at tlie Staples Institute, in Easton, Connecticut, taught
school for several years, read law in the office of Governor Bissell, of Norwalk,
Connecticut, and afterwards studied and practised Pharmacy in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, for about twenty-five years, retiring to his home in Stratford in
1875.
Mr. Hubbeirs residence, " Rivercliff," is situated on the Housatonic River,
and is considered the finest country place in that portion of the State ; it is
well stocked with the finest blooded horses and Jersey cattle to be procured.
Besides being a great authority on blooded stock, Mr. Hubbell is a thor-
ough botanist, and has made many valuable discoveries relating to agriculture.
PETER HUBBELL, of Huntington, Upper White Hills, Fairfield
County, Connecticut, son of Isaac Hubbell and Sarah Hawkins, was born in
Huntington, Connecticut, on March ist, 1822.
In early life he attended the district school with his brothers, and after-
wards learned the trade of a stone-mason, and worked with his brothers, Lucius
and Francis B., on nearly all their contracts. As a workman he has few su-
periors. Is also an excellent carver in wood, very expert in sharpening tools
for stone-masons, and like his brother, Francis B., is a crack shot with the
rifle. Having sufficient means to live in comparative comfort, he has retired
from the active pursuits of business, and now devotes the winter of his life to
meditations of a serious character, concerning the life hereafter.
J^
!^Mtc^UJC
^y^T^-a-^yicyCi
FRANCIS BL'RRITT HUBBELL. of Huntington. Upper White Hills,
Fairfield Countj', Connecticut, son of Isaac Hubbell and Sarah Hawkins, was
bom November 27th, 1814, in Huntington, Connecticut
In his boyhood he attended the district school, and afterwards learned
the trade of a stone-mason.
In 1831 he assisted hTs brothers to erect a stone factory in North Bridge-
port, Connecticut, for Thatcher & Bunnell, and he and his brother Lucius built
a stone grist-mill in Trumbull, for John and Gater Beers, in f<»:ty-ocie days, in
the same year
In 1832 he worked in North Bridgeport on a stone block, and carried the
southeast main comer alone, which was an undertaking of importance for one
of his age.
Among the numerous contracts filled by Mr. Hubbell for stone work dui^
ing his life, the following important ones may be mentioned, to show how
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY. 189
industrious he has been, but it is unnecessary to remark, that as a finished
workman his services have always been in great demand.
He assisted in the erection of a stone chapel for the use of Yale College,
and superintended the building of the following private residences for their re-
spective owners : a stone dwelling for Doctor Beach Middlebrook, in Trumbull,
Connecticut; and a free-stone dwelling in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
(owner's name not given). He and his brother Lucius contracted for and built
the dwelling-house of Thaddeus G. Birdseye, in Birmingham, Connecticut.
Mr. Hubbell has worked on or contracted for nearly all the stone factories
in Ansonia, Birmingham, and Huntington, also assisted to build stone churches
in Ansonia, Birmingham^ Milford, Waterbury, Newtown, and Bridgeport, Con-
necticut.
While in the West, in 1856, he worked on houses in St. Paul, Minnesota,
Des Moines, and Sioux City, Iowa. Has quarried stone among the Indians,
in Nebraska, and worked on factories, banks, churches, hotels, dwellings, and
bridges on Long Island, in New York City, New Haven, Connecticut, and
Norfolk, Virginia, also worked on the stone prison, at Patterson, New Jersey ;
and contracted for, and quarried the stone for the floor of Fort Sumpter, South
Carolina. He set a boiler for one of the first steam saw-mills in Nebraska, and
has worked on and contracted for stone buildings in all the important States of
the Union.
In his leisure moments he erected an imposing stone monument for him-
self and family. It is situated in the yard of the " Little White Church," on the
White Hills, of Fairfield County, in the town of Huntington, — near the monu-
ment erected by his brother Lucius, — and marks the last resting-place of his
wife, Augusta, who departed this life February 2d, 1865.
This short sketch of Mr. Hubbell would be incomplete without some men-
tion of his wonderful skill as a marksman with the rifle, which, in his hands,
sends forth its leaden messengers of death with such precision, that he has
stood for years without a rival in his native county, and perhaps to-day is un-
surpassed as a crack shot in his native State.
In order to give a proper conception of his skill as a marksman, it may
not be considered out of place to state that on January 5th, 1867, he scored ten
shots, 115^ inches string, at forty rods in succession ; and on July 21st, 1877, he
made ten successive shots, 14^ inches string, at the same distance. When the
weather is favorable, he can send ten successive balls through a hole an inch in
diameter (in a board), at twenty rods.* As a man he is held in great esteem
by all who know him. Is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, and
one of the best known members of the large settlement of Hubbells on the
White Hills.
* Twenty rods contain three hundred and thirty feet.
Jn^^^ ^^^./■^£>^
JOHN HUBBELL. of Buffalo, Erie County, New York, was the eldest son
of Elisha Hubbell and Nancy Kellogg, both of Massachusetts. His obituary
is from the Buffalo Express, of January 28th, 1880:
" The death of Mr. John Hubbell, which occurred >t hie Ksideoce, No, 470 Fearl itrect, in
lliiicil;, at twenty mi nulM ifier one o'clock yesterday morning, removes rrom therankioTlhe
legal profewion one of its moet learned and most distinguished memberf . In our issue of yeaterday
WG had only time and space to make a simple announc^nient of the sad event, but ibi* moming we
shall endeavor In give our readers such information as we have been able to gather concerning the
life and character of (he deceased. John Hubbell was born in Canandaigua, in this State, on the
24th of December, 1H1!I, and hj^ early education was mostly obtained in that place. In the ch<»ce
of a profewii'in his preference lei) bim into the law, and he studied in company with the late Hon.
John Qanson, in the office of the Inte Mark H. Sibley, at Canandaigua. Both Ur. Oanaon and Mr.
Hubbell were admitted (o the Bar together, about the year 1843, and very aoon thereaficr the
Uller removed to Buffalo and entered upon the practice of his profession. He vroa tbe reaprct
and confidence of thowe with whom he came in contact from the start, and in a short liine be hid
huilt up a remunerative business. In 1S48 he was elected City Attn mey. which office be filled
with marked ability and general suiisfaction, .A.fler retiring from (bat official position the dcceved
never aficrwanLi suught any other political honors. He devoted himself aaaidnously to hia J^iti-
luate busineM, and his ttudioua industry was rewarded by a large ihare of profwaional prapcri^.
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY, 191
In the year 18C7 he left Buffalo and established himself in New York City, where he soon acquired
a large practice. His sojourn in the metropolis extended to about the middle of 1875, when he
returned to this city and resumed his business and social associations which had been broken otf
eight years before.
As a lawyer John Hubbell occupied an eminent and enviable position. His studious nature
had enabled him to develop abilities of an uncommon order, and his extensive and successful prac-
tice made him one of the most prominent lawyers in the State. While practising in Buffalo, he
was connected with several large and important cases. As the attorney of the late Orlando Allen,
and also of the Western Transportation Company, his abilities and skill were repeatedly brought
into play through the medium of extensive litigations. The professional as well as the social
tastes of the deceased were of a peculiarly high standard. He possessed an absolute distaste for
criminal business, and, we are informed, never tried but one criminal case in his life. He pre-
ferred to deal with admiralty and civil business, and his superior mind and great store of legal
knowledge made him thoroughly competent to handle the most intricate and important cases. As
an indication of the high esteem in which Mr. Hubbell was held throughout the State, we need only
call attention to the fact that he was one of the sixty prominent lawyers of the State whose portraits
had been selected to hang in the Court of Appeals chamber in the new capital building at Albany.
Mr. Hubbell was a practitioner in the Supreme Court of the United States. He was, at the time
of his death. President of the Buffalo Bar Association : also a member of the Fine Arts Academy
and the Buffalo Historical Society. He was an honorary member of the Union League Club of
New York City, and enjoyed the respect and friendship of a great number of scientific and literary
men throughout the State. He was an enthusiastic lover of good literature, and his tastes and
extensive reading brought him into intimate association with many of our leading scholars and
thinkers.
Mr. Hubbell was married on the 9th of October, 1850, to a daughter of Mr. Benjamin Camp-
bell, then of Rochester, and five children, three sons and two daughters, have blessed their union.
The wife and children all survive ; the three sons, Messrs. John C, Mark, and F. H., are all law-
yers and are quite well known in society. The deceased was a man of rare social tendencies ;
thoroughly devoted to his family, genial, warm-hearted and considerate, and his loss will be felt
keenly by those most near and dear to him. The heartfelt sympathy of a very larji^e portion of
this community will be extended to the bereaved wife and children in their great affliction.
This afternoon at three o'clock there will be a meeting of the members of the Buffalo Bar,
to take appropriate action on the death of Mr. Hubbell. The meeting will be held in the General
Term court-room of the City and County Hall.
Shortly after eleven o'clock yesterday forenoon the Hon. James M. Humphrey arose in the
Supreme Court, Special Term, and called attention to the death of Mr. Hubbell. After a brief but
earnest eulogy of the deceased he moved that the court adjourn as a mark of respect to his memory.
Remarks of a feeling and complimentary nature were then made by Mr. £. C. Bobbins and Judge
Albert Haight, after which the latter declared the court adjourned until ten o'clock next Monday
morning.
Shortly after five o'clock yesterday afternoon Mr. William H. Gumey, who was engaged in
the trial of an action in. the Superior Court before Judge Sheldon, arose and said that he was very
nuch surprised and shocked upon learning of the death of Mr. John Hubbell. That gentleman had
been a member of the bar of Erie County for many years, and had always borne the esteem and
respect of his colleagues as well as the citizens at large. He had also been a member of the bar of
New York* County for seven years. Mr. Hubbell, he said, was a man of ability in his profession,
and was entitled to the respect of the Court. He thereupon moved that the Court adjourn until
this morning.
Judge Sheldon in granting the motion for adjournment said, with evident emotion, that he
had heard of the death of Mr. Hubbell with great regret. They came to the bar nearly at the
same time, and for over thirty-five years had been friends and rivals in the noble profession which
they both loved. Mr. Hubbell long stood among the foremost at the bar of Erie County. His
192 HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY.
mind and temperament were eminently judicial, and had he acceded to the wishes of his friends
he would long ago have been elevated to high positions on the bench. He was a genial (riend and
public-spirited citizen, and always evinced an interest in our institutions of art and literature. The
Judge said that the ranks of those who were the young men at the bar with him had been thinned
by the casualties of life, so that but few more were left who started oat hopefully in their cait*en,
and after alluding to the lesson of life which came home to the survivors, in the death of Mr. Hub-
bell, he declared the court adjourned.
The funeral services will be held at the residence of the family, No. 470 Pearl street, on
Thursday at half-past three o'clock in the afternoon. The remains will be taken to Mount Hope
Cemetery, Rochester, by early train on Friday for burial in the family lot
In the death of Mr. John Hubbell this paper and its editor have lost a staunch and almost
a life-long friend, and we make no apology for expressing our grief in these columns. Antedating
the foundation of the Republican party, we remember Mr. Hubbell as one of the most earnest and
enlightened members of that wing of the Democracy whose irrepressible devotion to ' Free Soil,
Fiee Speech, and Free Men' led to that great split in their own party which made Republican
success first possible and then complete. He was one of the leading spirits in the famous Buf-
falo Convention. But the principal incidents of his honorable career are given elsewhere. Here
we meant but to speak of him as one must feel toward a true and tried friend whose antimelv
taking-ofl* brings up associations of earlier and perchance happier days. To his bereaved family
we can only extend heartfelt sympathy in their deep affliction."
SILAS CHURCHILL HUBBELL, of Woodbridge, New Haven County,
Connecticut, only son of Siias Hubbell and Abiah Churchill, his wife, was bom
September 17th, 1826, in Montgomery, Hampden County, Massachusetts.
Dr. Hubbell graduated at Berkshire Medical College, Pittsfield, Massachu-
setts, in 1848.
He practised in Westfield, Massachusetts, from 1848 to 1853. Removed
to New Haven, Connecticut, in 1853, ^^^ practised there until 1867, in which
year he moved to Woodbridge, where he now (1881) resides. Dr. Hubbell is
a family practitioner, and makes specialties of several important branches relatin<y
to children.
GEORGE E. HUBBELL, of Davenport, Scott County, Iowa, son of
John L. Hubbell and Sophia Morse, his wife, was bom April 7th, 1828, in
Salisbury, Connecticut.
Graduated at Yale Law School, New Haven. Connecticut, in 1851.
Married Mary B., daughter of O. Pease, Esq., and grand-daughter of
James Brewster, in 1852.
In 1853 Mr. Hubbell established a law office in Nassau street, New York
City, and in the fall of same year moved to Davenport, where he has since
resided and practised his profession.
His first wife died in 1872, and in 1874 he married Mary C, daughter of
Rev. S. G. J. VVorthington, the well-known Methodist clergyman.
WILLIAM WHEELER HUBBELL, son of Truman Mallory Hubbell
and Mary Ann Flower, was born March 4th, 1821, in the District of Northern
liberties, Philadelphia County (now Philadelphia), Pennsylvania.
He spent much of his early boyhood near Chester, Delaware County,
Pennsylvania, with his maternal grandparents, Richard Flower and Henrietta
Graham, at their country seat, Lamokin. He went to school first in Chester,
and afterwards to the best classical academies in Philadelphia.
In 1840 he commenced the study of law with his uncle (by marriage),
John Wayne Ashmead. Esq., of Philadelphia, and was admitted to the Philadel-
phia Bar, March 5th, 1845, was soon after appointed Master in Equity by Judge
194 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
J. K. Kane, and also practised with great success in the United States Circuit
Courts, in many Patent Cases. On December 14th, 1848, he married Eliza-
beth Catharine, daughter of Paul, and great grand-daughter of Colonel Chris-
topher Ramillie, a Revolutionary patriot of South Carolina.
His career as a counsellor-at-law has been a marked one; in the five years
from his first admission to the Bar, he was admitted an Attorney and Counsel-
lor of the Supreme Court of the United States, as is shown by the following
certificate :
•*SUPBEME COUKT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
William W. Hubbell, Esquire, of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania, was, on motion
first made to the Court in this behalf, by Hon. Eeverdy Johnson, Attorney General of the United
Ktates, duly admitted and qualified, as an Attomey^and Coun.<;ellor of the Supreme Court of the
United States, on the 20th day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
fifty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the 74th.
In testimony whereof^ I, William Thomas Carroll, Clerk of said Courts have hereunto set
my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, at the City of Washington, thb 20th day of May, in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty.
Wm. Thos. Carroll,
[Seal.] Clk. Sup. C^. U. S."
In 1853, a committee of the several railroad companies now constituting
the New York Central Railroad Company ; also the New York and Erie, and
Harlem, and several New England railroad companies, selected Mr. Hubbell as
counsel, to prepare a defence in the Ross Winans' "Great Eight- Wheel Car Suits,"
for an alleged infringement of Winans' patent, which he prepared with unusual
skill. One of the cases was argued before Mr. Justice Nelson, of the Supreme
Court of the United States, at Cooperstown, New York (in the United States
Circuit Court). Mr. Hubbell opened the case for the defendants in one of the
most lucid arguments ever delivered, which for its fullness of detail, covering
as it does 193 pages of printed matter, admirable arrangement and strict ad-
herence to the truth, redounds to his credit, industry and thorough knowledge
of equity and law, and forms an important historical railroad record. The case
had been tried previously by other counsel on a different mechanical basis, in
the Northern New York District, and a jury had given the plaintiff a verdict.
Under his preparation of defence in equity, a decision for the defendants was
obtained in this and another case in the same district, and upon being carried
to the Supreme Court of the United States at Washington, his theory and
legal construction was sustained, and the decision so secured, in favor of the
defendants, was virtually in favor of all railroad companies in the United States,
as they were all interested by use of the eight-wheel cars, in the decision.
The cases occupied four years, and involved claims for about two million
dollars; for his services Mr. Hubbell received in fees the handsome sum of
fully twenty thousand dollars. Two hundred thousand dollars were expended
altogether in the litigation.
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY, 195
He was also of counsel in the great case of the State of Pennsylvania
against the Wheeling Bridge Company, in 1850, and in the Woodworth Planing
Machine cases. Also the Blanchard Turning Machine, and most of the other
great patent suits, of those early days.
In the spring of 1857, he had the misfortune to be one of the victims of
the " National Hotel disease," so-called by reason of the fact that the guests of
the National Hotel in Washington, D. C, shortly after the time of President
Buchanan's inauguration, while that house was much crowded, were simul
taneously prostrated with a deadly sickness, supposed to have been caused by
arsenical poison. Many died in a few days, and many lingered only to die after
years of suffering.
By his knowledge of chemistry and antidotes, he was barely enabled to
withstand the effects of the poison for many years, but finally recovered his
health in 1880, by means of discoveries he made of combinations in chemistry,
hereinafter referred to.
Having an inventive talent, his scientific ability has been recognized by
the grant to him of many important patents, and fully established by his inven-
tion of the explosive shell Fuses used in the army and navy of the United
States, weapons which have made the navies of the world resort to the building
of iron-clad vessels. These self-acting shells blew up the Granite Bogue Forts
of China, and the forts and vessels of Japan. Mr. Hubbell having patents,
claimed of Congress in 1862 compensation for his several . inventions of the
self-acting fuses of the shells used.
In 1864 Congress referred the matter to the Court of Claims, and the
United States Supreme Court.
Six hundred printed pages of testimony were taken and the Courts sus-
tained the two of his inventions and patents which had proved of the greatest
value to the Government.
The following remarks are quoted from the decision of the Court of
Claims, in "Hubbell vs, U.S.," 1864, No. 2 124. adjudicated January 24th, 1870.
" For years, private parties as well as various officers of the army and
navy had been directing their thoughts and inventive powers to the produc-
tion of a Fuse that should be both certain and exact in the explosion of
shells. Among these, as the evidence demonstrates, there was no more intelli-
gent, scientific and persistent worker than the claimant.
It is fully sustained by the evidence that he has contributed, in an im-
portant degree, by his inventions, to the present improved and efficient pro-
jectiles in use in our army and navy.
We further find that Hubbell was the first and original inventor of the
time and impact Fuse, as claimed by him in his patent of January 7th, 1862.
And, that such fuse has been largely and extensively used by the United
%€/> HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
Stattri in violation of \i\% rights as patentee. And, that he \s justly and equitably
tixt\X\eA tr> compensation therefor^ under the joint resolution of Cotxgress.
We further find that HubbcII, the claimant, is the first and original inventor
of the percussion fuse, as claimed in his patent of January 24th, i860. It is
proved that these fuses have been used in great numbers by the United States
in derogation of claimant's rights, secured by his patents.
That these inventioas have been and are of great importance to the Gov-
ernment is apparent
fJcveral millions of these fuses were used during the war of the rebellion.
The fcict being conceded or determined that he is the original inventor, and the
use undisputed, his right in every respect to compensation is complete and per-
fect, and nothing has been shown from which we can infer that he relinquished
or released that right ; that he has donated its use to the United States, or in
any wise abandoned his invention."
Under this decision he was awarded by the Court and Congress $100,000,
which was paid to him, Congress having limited the power of the Court to pay,
but directed it to find the amount of the indebtedness.
The royalty found in his favor as proved and established was the sum of
$200jOOO on both inventions, one for the navy and one for the army. Congress
had prc-agrccd to pay Mr. Hubbell, if proved the inventor, $100,000 for that
U5icd in the navy, known as the Navy Time Fuse, and with which the whole
navy was armed before the war. Eight hundred and sixty five thousand two
hundred and fourteen of these fuses were also made by the Government during
the war of the rebellion.
The other, the percussion invention, was newly introduced in the army for
the shells of rifled cannon, and used at the battle of Antietam, where its value
was first demonstrated. Five hundred and twenty-eight thousand six hundred
and sixty-one of this invention were used, and a royalty value of fully $100,000
established, but which has not yet (188 1) been paid by Congress. Claim is made
for it as a constitutional right, and in opposition to any spirit of repudiation
of a judicially established debt of the war.
The first-mentioned invention sunk the Alabama in the British Channel,
and was used by the United States Navy throughout the war in all the shell
guns, while the other invention was used by the army in all the rifled cannon.
It is worthy of record that no battle in which Mr. Hubbeirs Time or Per-
cussion Shell Fuses were used was lost.
It was proved in the case that he perfected the inventions and applied
thrir use, filed in the Patent Office as early as 1846, and commenced them in
the year 1840 when only nineteen years of age, also that he antedated every
other inventor in the world. The United States searched the world in vain
for evidence to defeat him.
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY. 197
He has proposed to the Board of Ordnance to construct twelve-inch rifle
breech-loading guns of cast steel of a tensile strength of 6o,ocx) pounds per
square inch, for which he has patents — lately granted — and capable of crushing
any iron clad vessel that can be built to rtavigate the ocean.
Among his other inventions may be mentioned his Enclosed Centre
Primed Ammunition and Breech-loading Fire Arms, to use the same, in 1842 ;
Metallic Centre Primed Infantry Ammunition in 1842. 1865 and 1872, adopted
by the United States Army. Patent granted February 1 8th, 1879. No. 212,-
313. Original inventor of the Solar Magnet and Solar Magnetic Engine,
described in the Scientific Americaft, Frankiin Institute Journal, and London
Mechanics' Magazine of 1850. Original inventor of the Goloid Dollar of 1878,
of metric standard coinage, and of the metric gold standard coinage. Patents
Nos. 191,146; 209,263; 211,630; 211,909, A. D. 1877, 1878 and 1879.
In 1 841, when he was twenty years of age. Mr. Hubbell invented and
patented the sectional draft pipe for locomotives, which, applied in the smoke
box, enabled them to burn coal successfully.
In 1844 he patented the first swinging breech-block, breech-loading fire-
arm. The British Government ordered one of him, which was made and for-
warded to London. England, and upon this the Snider rifle of the British
service, and the United States infantry arms, using his primed metallic ammu-
nition, arc modified improvements. Upon this latter invention he has patented
an improved construction, adapted for heavy ordnance.
In 1874 he and his brother, Richard Henry Hubbell, received patents for
improvements in refining cast iron, which iron, tested at the Navy Yard, Wash-
ington, D. C, gave the unparalleled tensile strength of 60.958 pounds to the
square inch.
He is the discoverer of a combination in chemistry and medicine, called
" Vivopathy," which has produced remarkable curative results, and he is
author of the " Legal Tender Note Argument," sustaining their issue as
affirmed by the United States Supreme Court — (see Congressional Law Li-
brary)— and author of the coin motto, " Deo est gloria** (To God is the glory,)
adopted on the metric coin (see House of Representative bills 410, 411, 412,
1 5 19 and 191 1, Forty-sixth Congress, containing the entire system of metric
coinage discovered and invented by him, and reported by the Committee of
Coinage, Weights and Measures, — of which the Hon. Alexander Hamilton
Stephens, of Georgia, was chairman, — favorably for adoption by the United
States, and providing for a royalty of one mill on every dollar, to be paid to
him as the original inventor and patentee ; see also Report 203, H. R., Forty-
sixth Congress, second session, accompanying aforesaid bills, for full particu-
lars). " For over half a century this subject had baffled the skill of the most
eminent investigators of the civilized world," and Mr. Hubbell is the only man
198 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY,
who ever solved it in practical metallurgy for a standard coinage of gold and
silver.
He was Expert on Metallurgy and the Metric System to the Forty-fifth
Congress, and was paid by special act of Congress for this service (see Report
No. 23, first session, Forty-sixth Congress).
In conjunction with his brother, Richard Henry Hubbell, he carries on a
stock farm, and tobacco and grain plantation, embracing nearly a thousand
acres of land near Lynchburgh, in Appomattox county,. Virginia, It is called
Lamokin Farm, stretches a mile across Reedy Creek Valley, and is the exact
spot where, — after Lee's surrender to Grantat Appomattox Court House, — ^thc
Union and Confederate cavalry forces were drawn up in lines of battle. Upon
receiving news of the surrender a parley ensued, and the Confederate oflScers
in command, instead of giving the word " Charge !" ordered their soldiers to
" Disband and go home, that Lee had surrendered, and the war was ended/*
A reser\'e infantry force of Lee's army was heavily entrenched about five
miles west of Lamokin Farm, towards Lynchburgh, among the mountains, to
reach which entrenchments Lee was advancing when the Union forces cut him
off at Appomattox Court House.
The stock on Lamokin Farm comprises registered Jersey cattle and grade
cattle of every variety ; also, the finest trotting stock mares, and Southdown
sheep.
It may not be considered out of place in this short sketch to speak of
Mr. Hubbeirs maternal ancestors. His mother, Mary Ann Hubbell {ncc
Flowerj was the daughter of Henrietta Graham, a lineal descendant of the
heroic and renowned Graham, who married the daughter of Robert
Stuart, King of Scotland ; the pedigree can be traced in any of the leading
works on heraldr>'. The Duke of Montrose is the present head of the family
in Great Britain (see heraldric works in Astor Library, New York Cit>';
Martin's " History of Chester," Mercantile Library, Philadelphia ; and works on
heraldry, in Historical Society of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia; also Playfair's
" British Family Antiquity,*' volume III, page 16, and volume IV, [>age 474).
Mr. Hubbell has light brown hair, blue eyes, and is about five feet ten
inches in height; his phrenological character is fully described in the "Ameri-
can Phrenolpgical Journal," New York, June, 1863. which also contains the en-
graved portrait of him at the age of forty-two years, heading this sketch. A
very complete biographical sketch of him is to be found in " The Biographi-
cal Encyclopaedia of Pennsylvania ;" which contains a steel engraving from a
photograph, at the age of fifty-three years. His biography also appears in
that very complete volume, Martin's " History of Chester," above mentioned.
Much of the material composing this sketch has been taken from the
works hereinbefore mentioned. Court opinions, and the records of Congress.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 199
" It may be safely said that his inventions of explosive shell fuses of the
Army and Navy of the United States, have proved a great power to open the
portals of the barbarian world to the advance of civilization, China, Japan, and
slavery having yielded to the influence of their fearful power. Forts, ships, and
armies have failed, been destroyed, or surrendered before them, and, by the
direction of Providence, the Union, freedom, peace, commerce, and national
arbitration made to prevail."
It is a fact worthy of record, that Mr. Hubbell should own the land on
which the last line of battle in the Great Rebellion was drawn up, and that
upon this soil, worn out by the system of slave labor, he should, as he has, by
a chemical combination of his own invention, so enrich the fields that they
produce crops of grain, grass, and tobacco, far surpassing anything yet pro-
duced in the South. This would seem to augur that the man whose inven-
tions were of such great service in war, was to become famous in peace as the
rejuvenator of the depleted Southern States, for this new invention has already
proven pre-eminently successful in the cotton fields of Georgia.
HENRY LYNES HUBBELL, son of Wakeman Hubbell and Julia A.
Lynes,his wife, was born June 24th, 183 1, in Wilton, Fairfield County, Connec-
ticut. He studied for college, partly in Green Farms, Westport, Connecticut,
but chiefly at the Academy, in his native town. Graduated at Yale College
in 1854. Taught in the old Academy, on Greenfield Hill, Connecticut, for
six months, and then for one year and a half had charge of a boys' school on
Owasco Lake, near Auburn, New York, of. which Rev. Samuel R. Brown,
D. D., was proprietor. He studied theology at Union Theological Seminary,
New York, and Andover Theological Seminary, Massachusetts, graduating at
the latter institution in 1859.
Soon after graduating he was invited to the pastorate of the First Congre-
gational Church, St. Johnsburgh, Vermont, but declined, preferring to study
another year in Andover. Since his ministry began, in 1 861, he has had two
pastorates, one over the First Congregational Church, Amherst, Massachusetts,
and the other over the First Congregational Church, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
In January, 1880, he accepted a call to the First Congregational Church,
Jamestown, New York, where he now (1881) resides.
Between 1866 and 1868 he traveled nine months in Egypt, Palestine and
Europe, and preached the remaining time in Unionville, one of the parishes of
Farmington, Connecticut. On May 7th, 1863, he was married to Harriet A.
Hinsdale, of Amherst, Massachusetts.
/:/^X^ '^^^^'^
WILSON HUBBELL.of the Sixty-second Regiment (Anderson Zouaves).
New York Volunteers, son of Charles Benjamin Hubbell and Elizabeth
Thompson, was born April 21st. 1S21, in Bridgeport, Fairfield County, Con-
necticut.
His grandfather. Captain Amos Hubbell, and his great-uncles were con-
spicuous for their military services during the Revolutionary war; and his
great-grandfather, on his mother's side. Lieutenant William Thompson, com-
manded a company of militia of the town of Stratford, and lost his life at the
battle of Ridgefield, Connecticut, in April, 1777.
Wilson Hubbell received an Academic education, and at the age of six-
teen, he went to Columbia, South Carolina, where he learned and followed a
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY, 201
mercantile business. In 1849, he removed to the City of New York, where he
was a merchant for the twelve years preceding the breaking out of the Rebel-
lion, and married Emily M., daughter of Meigs D. Benjamin, of New York
City.
In April, 1861, he entered the service of his country,and enlisted the men
forming Company B, of the Sixty-second Regiment, New York Volunteers,
and was mustered into the service on June 30th, 1861, for three years, commis-
sioned Captain, was promoted and comnli3sioned Major, May 3 1 st, 1 862. He was
engaged in all the battles of the Army of the Potomac, from the one at Yorktown,
April 1 7th, 1 862, until June 3d, i S64,when he lost his life at the battle of Cold Har-
bor (with the exception of the battles of South Mountain and Antietam, when he
was sick in hospital from exposure and fatigue endured in the Chickahominy
Swamp), being wounded by a shell from the enemy's batteries, from the effects
of which he died in two hours. His remains were embalmed at the White
House, Virginia, and sent to Bridgeport, Connecticut, where they were in-
terred in the Mountain Grove Cemetery, on June 15th. The funeral services
were held in Christ Church, attended by a large assembly, sixteen officers from
the Ninth Connecticut Volunteers (who were home on a furlough), came from
New Haven and acted as pall- bearers. While the funeral procession was
moving, the bells of the several churches were tolled, minute guns were fired,
and numerous flags displayed at half-mast The surgeon of the regiment, in a
letter announcing his death, wrote :
" He was a brave true man, and was in the extreme front, doing his duty well and gallantly
when he was struck/'
Many letters attesting his bravery are on file in the Adjutant-GeneraFs
office, Albany, New York.
Yet he never was promoted, nor was full justice awarded him. A man
from another regiment received the appointment, through the influence of his
father, a noted physician of New York, which caused great indignation in the
regiment. The members of his old company (B), however, testified their ap-
preciation of him by presenting to him a beautiful Sixth Corps badge, accom-
panied with the following letter :
" To Major Wilson HvbbeU.
81R : — The members of Company B, so long and happily connected with you, both in your
capacities of Captain and Major, desire to present you with this slight token of their regard with
their best wishes for your prosperity and happiness.
Your bravery on the field of battle, your coolness in the hour of danger are well-known to
OS ; and it is for these qualities, for your care and solicitude for the comfort of your men in camp
and in the field ; and your exemplary conduct as a soldier and a gentleman that they respect and
honor you.
21
202 HISTORY OF THE HLBBELL FAMILY
UmA thiKj hope the bsdt MKnuiow fomwrfffd villi tlu» tmlAemL the btoe eras cf tie
' F^lktiii^ Si xslk Co«pL' will be m perpetnal bond of Incnkhip berveen them and their Major.
aoMi in funiedAjf be a pleaoant Rsunder of the campai^iif of 1^1. ^ and 63.
Then Mloved the signatures of the men.
On the Erst day of the battle at Fair Oaks, (May 31st, 1862,) Major Hnb-
beii was field-ofBcer of the day, and had five companies under his charge on
picket dut>% he was moimted on a mule, and rode rapidly during the ^ht,
with the shells flying thick around him, but fortunately was not hurt. At one
time he n-as much in danger of being cut off fit>m our army, but succeeded
in bringing his men safely into camp, where all were inquiring if he was not
badly wounded, as that rumor had preceded him. He had with him a rebel
oflicer, who rode into our lines by mistake, and who was much surprised and
chagrined, when Major Hubbell informed him he was a prisoner; the rebel
said he ^* supposed it was his own picket," (the picket lines of the contending
armies being very close to each other on that day,) and asked if he might
retain his watch, which was the gift of his mother, and said he felt sorry to
part with his beautiful mare " Jenny," which he rode ; the Major replied to
him, that " we did not take our prisoners' watches, but the mare was contra-
band of war ;" he afterwards purchased her of the government for his own
use.
Major Hubbell was a fine-looking man, tall, erect, and well-proportioned;
he had dark hair, and dark blue eyes, large and full. His manners were
dignified yet aflable. His disposition was amiable and remarkably cheerful,
he was never depressed in spirits, but always looked upon the bright side of
life ; he was warm-hearted, generous, and lived and died as a true soldier
should die, in the front and thickest of the fight, doing his duty.
All the leading papers of New York City contained obituary notices of
his death, also the Bridgeport papers. The New York Times had the
following:
" Major Wilson Habbell, of the 62d regiment, New York Volonteers, Anderson Zooares,
who was killed hj being struck with a shell, in the asstaalt on the rebel lines at Cold Harbor, was
a native of Bridgeport, Connecticut. At the commencement of the war, be entered the 62d New
York York Volunteers, and was made its Senior Captain, and acted as such until May 31st, 1862,
when he was made Major. He was with the Army of the Potomac in all the battles in which it
has been engaged, except those of South Mountain and Antietam, and was onlj prevented bj sick-
neMs from participating in them.
He was a brave and accomplished officer, possessed the love, respect and confidence of his
men to an unusual degree. The members of his old company (B) presented him with a very beau-
tiful Sixth Corps badge, accompanied by a letter expressing the great respect and esteem in which
he WAM held by them. He met a soldier's death while in the extreme front, gallantly leading on
his men. He was shot down, and every possible effort was made to save him by the regimental
surge<in, the wound was too severe, and he died in a few hours after receiving it."
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY, 203
FRANKLIN B. HUBBELL. of Troy, Rensselaer County, New York, son
of Elisha Hubbell and Nancy Kellogg, both of Massachusetts, and brother of
John Hubbell, Esq., of Buffalo.' New York, was born in Canandaigua, New
York, and died in Troy, New York, September 24th, 1869.
He was an editor, was connected with the Syracuse /ourna/^ Syracuse Star,
and Troy Daify Whig; was well known among newspaper men as a genial and
amiable companion, always cheerful in temper and pleasant in manner, ever
ready to work and to lighten the labor of others.
As an editor and journalist he ranked among the first.
EDWARD HUBBELL, of Bridgeport, Fairfield County, Connecticut,
son of Josiah Hubbell and Charlotte Baldwin, was bom August 4th, 1822,
in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and lived there all his life. He was one of the
best-known men in the city of his nativity, and had great influence with all
classes of the inhabitants. Was a member for twenty-five years of the Sec-
ond Congregational Church, situated on Gilbert Street near Broad, of which
his father, Josiah Hubbell, a well-known merchant, was a founder.
The following well-known facts will clearly demonstrate how great his
influence was among the church-going inhabitants of Bridgeport :
In 1874, the Rev. Mr. Easton, pastor of the Second Congregational
Church of Danbury, Connecticut, came to Mr. Hubbell and informed him that
unless the sum of two thousand dollars was raised within a few weeks to com-
plete the sum of four thousand already donated, there would be no hope of the
Church being freed from debt, and in all probability the ecclesiastical body
would have to be dissolved. Mr. Hubbell promised to do all in his power to
aid the neighboring congregation. He canvassed for subscribers among the
church members of Bridgeport, and in the short space of thirteen days placed
the list of subscribers to the necessary two thousand dollars in the hands of the
grateful pastor, who made the collections himself, thereby placing the Church
once more on a substantial foundation. Great joy was manifested by the entire
congregation. A grand jubilee was held, to which Mr. Hubbell was invited,
where, amidst the forty ministers .seated upon the altar, he was the lion of the
hour. The ladies showered him with bouquets, the deacons and clergy over-
whelmed him with benedictions, and at the end of the jubilee the reverend
pastor, Mr. Easton, presented him with a handsome gold-headed cane, elegantly
inscribed, on behalf of the Church.
Among the many curiosities in the possession of Mr. Hubbell at the time
of his death, on April Sth, 1881, were an eight-day chiming clock, made in
England one hundred and thirty years ago, also the first brass grate and fender
ever used \n Bridgeport, Connecticut.
204 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
'' Rey. Dr. Thompson's remarks at the funeral of the late Mr. Edward Hnbbell resterdaj
afternoon were not only highly ealogistic hot well deserved. He said that fidelity was the leading
feature of Mr. Hnbbell's character, that never during their long and exceedingly intimate friend-
ship had he heard Mr. Hubbell say a word which was unworthy to be uttered, or known of his
doing a deed which had better have been left undone. Referring to the kindness of Mr. Hubbdl's
nature the Doctor spoke of many a good deed done by his friend by day and by night unknown to
others, spoke of his fidelity to his parents, to his relatives and friends, and of his frequent manifes-
tation of every good quality of manhood. He mourned him as a brother best beloved, one on
whom he could always rely as a ready friend and helper on every occasion. We felt that even the
warm friendship of the Doctor had not carried him one whit beyond what was true and just in his
eulogistic remarks concerning Mr. Hubbell, whom we have intimately known for many years, and
whose trueness of character we have often admired. He has many times voluntarily rendered to
us friendly services which we shall ever remember with grateful emotions.*'*
STEPHEN JOHNSON HUBBELL, of Lupton, Weld County. Colorado,
son of Richard Hunt Hubbell and Elizabeth Ann Watson Cowgill, was born
March 8th, 1 834, in Springfield, Ohio.
In 1848, he lived in Wheeling, Ohio County, West Virginia, where he
assisted his father and uncle in the sale of wagon springs, axles, etc., until 1850,
when he commenced the study of medicine with Doctors Blum, Osbum and
Wheeler, of the aforesaid city, and continued his studies with them until 1854.
He attended the Starling Medical College in Columbus, Ohio, in 1854,
and the Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1855, from
which he graduated in 1856.
He commenced the practice of his profession in North Wheeling, Vir-
ginia, in April, 1856, resided in West Liberty, in 1858, and from there went
towards Pike's Peak, and then returned to Calloway County, Missouri, where
he practiced his profession for two or three months, after which he moved to
Springfield, where he bought a drug store in 1859.
In 1861, he left Springfield for Richmond, Virginia, where he joined the
Confederate army as a volunteer.
He received a " penetrating gun-shot wound " in the left lung, on June 9th,
1863, at the battle of Brandy Station. Afterwards passed examining board of
surgeons in Richmond, Virginia, took the rank of Captain (assistant Surgeon),
and was assigned a hospital, where he surrendered in April, 1S65.
Being in impecunious circumstances, after his surrender to the Union
forces, he accepted a situation on the Memphis and Tennessee Air Line Rail-
road, in Norfolk, Virginia.
Doctor Hubbell had a drug store, and practised his profession in Fort
Lupton, Weld County, Colorado, in 1880.
* From " Bridgeport SUmdard' of April 9tb, 1881.
GEORGE ALBERT HUBBELL, of New Haven. New Haven County,
Connecticut, son of Joseph M. Hubbell and Harriet Hill, was bom in New-
town, Fairfield County, Connecticut, June 1st, 1824.
At nine years of age he left a fatherless home to earn his living on a farm.
At the age of twelve he was apprenticed to the woollen business, in Newtown,
Connecticut, until of age. At sixteen he united with the Methodist Episcopal
Church and began to supplement a meagre common school education by pri-
vate studies in the English branches, history, philosophy, and theology. Was
licenced to conduct religious services at the age of eighteen, and preached in
his native and adjoining towns during the last three years of his apprentice-
ship. At twenty-one was admitted to the New York Conference ; passed the
usual studies and examinations, and was ordained Elder at the age of twenty-
five. Afterwards commenced a collegiate course at Woodbury Academy, and
pursued classic studies under private teachers.
2o6 HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY.
He performed regular pastoral work for hvent>'-one years in Meriden,
Waterbury, Middletown, Birmingham, Bridgeport, and New Haven, Connec-
ticut, and for thirteen years in the cities of New York and Brooklyn.
In 1876, was Presiding Elder of Bridgeport District, and in 1880, Pre-
siding Elder of New Haven District, the two districts comprising the greater
part of the State west of the Connecticut River, including one hundred and
forty-two churches.
JAMES WAKEMAN HUBBELL was bom in Wilton, Fairfield Count}-.
Connecticut, March 29th, 1835, is the second of four sons of Wakeman Hub-
bell and Julia A. Lynes, his wife.
Having a taste for study, at the age of eleven he commenced Latin, with
the idea of preparing for college.
At the age of sixteen, he went to Northampton, Massachusetts, where he
spent two years in preparation for Yale College, which he entered in the sum-
mer of 1853.
At the age of eighteen, during his four years of college life, he maintained
a high position as a scholar, graduating as one of the oration men of his class.
After graduating he taught school for two years, as a stepping-stone to a
professional education. He entered the Union Theological Seminary in the
autumn of 1859, and after a year's study there, went to the Seminary in Ando-
ver, Massachusetts, where he graduated in July, 1863. During his studies in
the Seminary, he passed through a severe sickness, which came near ending
his life, but from which, after nine months* residence in Minnesota, he recov-
ered. The experience of those long and dark days, was a part of his disci-
pline and training for his life-work.
He was ordained to the ministry as pastor of the First Congregational
Church, in Milford, Connecticut, September 21st, 1864, one of the oldest and
largest churches in the State, being organized in 1639, *^"^ having a member-
ship of 576.
After a pastorate of five years, he accepted a call to the College Street
Church, New Haven, Connecticut, and there, for nearly eight years, he had a
successful ministr)', and was dismissed at his own request, and with the unani-
mous wish of his people to remain with them. He is at present (1881) pastor
of the First Congregational Church, in Danbury, Connecticut, where he was
installed May 20lh, 1879.
His wife, Mary Wing Gregory, is also a native of Wilton. They have
three daughters, Julia L., Harriet G., and Grace W., all of whom were living
in 1880.
(jV^'Jilp>U^^ifeJ^
WILLIAM LAFAYETTE HUBBELL, of New York City, New York,
was born July 6th, 1825. in Amenia, Dutchess County, New York, son of
Asa Hubbell and Elizabeth Benedict.
Inheriting to a considerable extent his father's inventive genius in labor-
saving mechanism, he has perfected and taken out a number of patents of
various kinds; some of them marvels of mechanical skill and ingenuity.
He has always taken an active and influential position in the representative
councils of not only the Republican party, but of other patriotic and semi-po-
litical organizations, both State and National, and has held several offices of
honor and trust, among them, Grand Sachem of the Order of the United
Americans of the State of Connecticut, for the years 1855, 6-7.
Arch Chancellor of the same Order for 1856.
2o8 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
Member of the Common Council of the City of Waterbuiy, Connecticut,
in 1856.
Inspector of Customs, port of New York, 1 861 to 1864.
Assistant Assessor of Internal Revenue for the Second and Third Collec-
tion Districts of New York, from 1864 to 1872.
Secretary of the King's County Republican General Committee for 1862
and 1863.
Local political editor of the New York Tribune for the City of Brooklyn,
1864.
Republican candidate for the State Legislature for the First Assembly
District, King's County (Brooklyn), New York, in 187 1.
Renominated in 1872.
He also represented the Seventh, Twelfth and Twenty-first Wards respec-
tively, of the City of Brooklyn, in the King's County Republican General
Committee, for several years.
In 1874 he formed and has since that time conducted " The American
Mechanical Toy Company," in the manufacture of various kinds of mechanical
toys of almost every imaginable variety and description.
In 1850 he was united in marriage in New Haven, Connecticut, by the
Rev. S. Dryden Phelps, D. D., of that place, to Lucy A. F. Neale, daughter of
Joel and Harriett Neale, of Southington, Connecticut, and neice of the Rev.
Rollin H. Neale, D. D., the venerable pastor of the First Baptist Church of
Boston, Massachusetts, where he has been for over thirt>' years. Five children
were born of the union, of whom but two are now living, William Lafayette,
Jr., and Alice Neale. Freddie died in infancy. Fannie, a beautiful and pre-
cocious child, fell from a window in her seventh year and was instantly killed.
Hattie, while a student at the Packer Institute, Brooklyn, and soon to gradu-
ate, was taken sick with that incurable disease, diabetes, and died in her
nineteenth year, beloved and mourned by all who had ever known her. Kind
and amiable in disposition, her sweet and affable manners endeared her to all
with whom she came in contact.
" Oh she was good as she was fair,
None, none on earth above her ;
As pure in thought as angels are.
To know her, was to lo?e her."
Alice Neale graduated at the Packer Institute, Brooklyn, New York, in
the class of 1 871, and was married in 1878 to Professor D. Greenberger, Prin-
cipal of the " Institution for the Improved Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb,"
of the City of New York.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY,
209
In poetry (for he is something of a poet), Mr. Hubbell's versification is
smooth, hmpid, genial, and fascinating.
For years he was a contributor to several popular magazines, as well as
many daily and weekly papers. 1 take the liberty to give one of his poems,
" One Week Ago," written at sea, in 1858 ; also one, ** At Fifty-three,'* written
in 1878, to one of his most intimate and genial boyhood friends, Horatio
Nelson Powers, D. D., whom he had not seen at the time the poem was
written, in nearly thirty years, having selected them from a number placed at
my disposal by Mr. Hubbell, after a great deal of persuasion (for to his other
remarkable traits of character, I must add the becoming one of great modesty).
" ONE WEEK AGO.
On Board Stkamsuip Mosrs Taylor, \
Gulf of Mexico, January 10, 1858. j
'Tis night ! the Day God's golden car
Adown the western skies hath rolPd,
And 'neath the emerald waves afar
Hath sunk in robes of molten gold.
Pale Luna, with her borrowed light,
Keeps "watch and ward" for dark-ey*d night;
While twinkling stars come out and keep
Their nightly vigils o'er the deep.
'Tis night ! upon the deck I stand,
Or lean upon the good ship's prow,
The radiant deep blue skies o'erhead
And darker deep blue waves below ;
The crested waves in many a freak,
Fling high their spray and lave my cheek,
While balmy trade-winds kiss my brow.
As sweet as girlhood seals love's vow.
Above me glows the Southern Cross,
In lucent glint and lustrous sheen ;
So beautiful, so pure and grand.
It seems of stars the royal queen ;
And yet the faithful Northern Star,
More regal seems to me by far,
More true, more grand, more loyal yet.
For since * God spake,' it never yet has set.
Oh, dark-ey'd night I how passing well
I've loved thy diamond-flashing eyes
Amid New England's hearths and homes
And hearts I love and dearly prize ;
But, O how doubly dear art thou
To heart and brain and throbbing brow.
When 'neath the tropic's burning zone
The sun blights all he smiles upon.
'Tis night I a holy Sabbath eve,
The evening of God's chosen day,
And memory, o'er its golden track.
Now leads me back one week to-day.
One week ago my home was glad,
And tiny hearts with joy leaped high ;
One week has passed, and lone and sad
My heart gives out the bitter sigh.
One week ago, the merry laugh
Came ringing from my cottage home.
And fairy forms and tiny feet
Came tripping forth to meet my own.
One week has passed, I hear them yet,
The merry laugh, the tiny feet,
For Fancy, with its golden wing,
Flings o'er the Past its bright imagining.
One week ago, one week ago,
How much of life hath passed since then.
Yet on, o'er ocean-waves I go,
As o'er their snow-white crests I've been.
And may the birdlings of my home.
My heart's-nest, in the Northern land,
Be watched by Him who rules the storm,
And holds us in His mighty hand.
William Lafayette Hubbell."
"AT FIFTY-THREE.
The halcyon hours of guileless youth.
Like meteors, flash athwart my brain;
The golden chords of memory thrill,
And make me now a boy again.
A boy again ! and why ? Ah, me !
My years now number Fifty-three.
22
2IO
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
And yet in memory's mystic realms.
In day-dreams of the long ago,
Entranced I sit — asleep — awake —
My soul illumined — my heart aglow ;
Nor reck I of those years, whose key
Unlocks the number Fifty-three.
Yet why should recollection now
Entrance me with its golden rays,
And throw o'er heart, and soul, and brain,
The glint and sheen of boyhood days ?
Of boyhood days ? Ah yes, I see,
A boy again at Fifty-three !
What weird, mysterious, magic charm
Hath wrought this wondrous spell ?
The Present sinks into the Past —
The Man into the Boy as well ;
And man and boy in reverie.
Dream on and on, at Fifty-three.
Is it because I look upon
The picture of a goodly face ;
And scan the eye, the lip, the brow,
And every lineament, to trace
Some half forgotten look to me —
The man and boy at Fifty-three ?
This picture that I'm holding now.
Whose face I gaze upon with joy.
To other eyes, is of a Man —
To mine, to me — is of a Boy,
A boy — but why this mystery ?
And why a boy at Fifty-three ?
I look — the picture fades away —
An airy vision clouds my brain ;
There broods o'er me a phantasy^
I dream I am a boy again.
In dreams, the scroll of other years
Unrolls l)efore mine eves ;
Two boys, fair-haired, I see at play.
Beneath the summer skies.
The one, brown-eyed, with face, where Truth
Shines lustrous as a star ;
The other, pale, with eyes of blue,
Lit up fnun shrines afar.
The woods, in queen-like garb, I see,
The meadows, rich in bloom ;
The orchards laden with their fruit,
And fragrant with perfume.
The rills that laughing leap along
Through fields of grass and grain ;
The lowing cows — the bleating sheep —
I see them all again.
And see those self-same boys at play,
Half buried in the new-mown hay.
The Robin's sweet, far-echoing song,
The Linnet from the hill,
The Bobolink's loud, ringing notes,
The plaintive Whippoorwill,
The Blackbird's carol from the marsh,
The Red-wing's matinee,
The Golden-throated Oriole,
The Quail's prophetic lay.
The Dove's melodious, loving coo.
The Blue-Jay's silvery strain.
The Skylark's sweeping, soaring song —
I hear them all again.
I see those self-same boys again
Drink in each song — each sweet refrain.
In dreams I see our boyhood homes,
More dear than all beside,
Blessed with our Parent's prayers ; and led
By Faith, the starry-eyed.
Our fathers — sturdy men, I see ;
Our mothers — saints of earth ;
Our brothers — sinewy as steel ;
Our sisters — radiant in worth.
The road, that winds past many a Iiill ;
The fences, mossed with time ;
The lanes, where we so oft have played ;
The trees, we dared to climb ;
The school-house, quaint from base to peak ;
The brook, with babbling glee ;
The pond, the boat, the dripping oar —
1 see, or seem to see.
Again, those self-same boys I see.
Rapt in brighi dreams of poesie.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY,
211
The sun has set ; the night winds sigh ;
The Raven flaps his wing ;
Grief lays her palsied hand on mine.
Damp, cold and withering.
I start. Our fathers I where are they ?
And where, oar mothers ! where ?
O God I within Thy golden gates,
We leave them in Thy care.
My dream is o*er ; mine eyes are dim ;
This picture that I've held so long
Is stained, with tears that fell unhid,
And blend unbidden with my song —
A song, dear friend, of you and me.
Of man and boy at Fifty-three.
William Lafayicttb Hubbell.
Nxw ToBK, Christmas Wbbk« 1878."
JAMES R. HUBBELL, of Delaware, Delaware County, Ohio, son of
Shadrach Hubbell and Rebecca Randolph, was born in Delaware County,
Ohio, in 1825.
Mr. Hubbell is a lawyer by profession, arid has resided in Delaware
since he was eighteen years of age.
He was a member of the Thirty- ninth Congress of the United States,
from Ohio, in 1864; was five times elected to the Ohio Legislature, and was
Speaker of the House for four years.
After serving his term as a member of Congress in Washington, D. C,
he became a member of the Ohio Senate.
JAY ABEL HUBBELL, of Michigan, sort of Samuel S., and grandson
of Abel Jay Hubbell, was born in Avon, Michigan, September 15th, 1829.
The following sketch of his career is from The National Frei Press, of
October 23d, 1880, published in Washington, D. C.
"Jay Abel Hubbell, Representative in Conjifress from the Ninth District of Michigan, and
Chairman of the Republican Congressional Committee, was born in Michigan, his father, Samuel
8. Hubbell, a native of New York State, having removed thither in 1820, and devoted his energies
to farming from the ^ttlement of that part of the State until his death in 1870. The first eighteen
years of his life were spent by young Hubbell upon his father's farm, ill the labors incidental to his
sphere of action. He was a robust youth, and is a robust man. After two years of studious prepa*
ration at Romeo and Rochester, he eiltered the University of Michigan, in the sophomore class, and
graduated in 1853. The two following years were devoted to the study of the law, and in 1855
he was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court of the State. In November, 1855, Mr. Hubbell
removed to Ontonagon, in the Upper Peninsula, where he formed a law partnership with
Hon. A. H. Hanscom, and commenced, what afterward proved, a lucrative law practice. In 1857
he was elected district attorney of the Upper Peninsula, and was re-elected in 1859. He removed
to Houghton, Michigan, in February, 1800, and was elected proset'uting attorney of Houghton
County, in 1861, 1863 and in 1865. From the date of his removal to Houghton down to 1871, when
he retired from active practice, Mr. Hubbeirs law business was large and highly remunerative.
As a lawyer, he was noted for his industry and care in the preparation of cases, and for the success
with which he presented and prosecuted them. When he removed to Houghton, the great mining
interests of that locality were in their infancy. In their development, he took from the start a
warm and active interest, investing all his spare means in the mines, and contributing largely to
212 HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMHY.
their 8uc?ce88ful development by his determined energy, judicious management, and undaunted
pluck. The great pecuniary success which attended these mining enterprises enabled him to retire
from the practice of the law in 1871 ; but up to the present time his interest in the development of
the mines of Michigan has never flagged, and it was under his direction, as a Stale Commissioner
to the Centennial Exhibition of 1876, that the remarkable exhibit of the mineral products of that
State was collected and made. Already, prior to his retirement from law practice, Mr. Hubbell
had also become an active factor in the public affairs of his native State. His acquaintance with the
people of the Upper Peninsula during his successive terms as district attorney, had become very
extensive, and his frank, square, practical, common-sense manner had made him popular with the
masses, who regarded him as a safe, level-headed adviser, as well as a man of prompt and decided
action. In 1868, during the Presidential election, his political speeches brought public attention
to him as a promising public leader, and the success which, during the same year, crowned his
efforts at Washington, whither he had been sent by the people of the copper-mining district to
secure the imposition of higher tariff duties on copper, brought him still more prominently to
the front. This was shown by the large vote given to him in the Congressional Convention of the
Sixth Congressional District, which then (1870) included Houghton. In 1872, Michigan having
been re-districted, Mr. Hubbell was nominated for Congress by the Republican Convention to repre-
sent the Ninth Congressional District, comprehending within its limits the nine counties of the
Upper Peninsula, and eighteen counties of the Lower Peninsula. The campaign which followed
was an exciting one, and he addressed political gatherings in nearly every one of the great num-
ber of counties in his district, and was elected to Congress by 11,951 votes against 5,546 votes
cast for his competitor, S. P. Ely, who ran as the Liberal Republican and Democratic candidate.
In the Forty-third Congress, Mr. Hubbell was placed upon the committees on banking and currency,
and mines and mining, and was aLso a member of the joint committee to investigate the aflfairs of
the District of Columbia, in all of which he rendered good service. He secured the payment of
some $20,000 to the State of Michigan, being five per cent, on the permanent Indian Reservations,
which had been due to that State and uncollected for a long term of years. He delivered a speech
in the Horise during tl^is term upon the currency question, which attracted marked attention.
Through his efforts, also, the long unsettled land titles at St. Mary^s, Michigan, were adjudicated in
favor of the claimants. He also secured the passage of a bill to relieve from taxation the mining
corporations of the Upper Peninsula, which had been assessed on the issue of their drafts that had
been taxed as currency. In 1874, Mr. Hubbell was re-elected to Congress by 12,877 votes against
3,460 votes for H. D. Noble, Democrat. In the Forty-fourth Congress, he was again on the banking
and currency committee. He introduced a bill by which the State of Michigan- would have col-
lected some $250,000 arising from the five per cent, on bounty lands allowed to that State under the
act of admission, a claim which, though still in abeyance, is likely, with his persistent efforts, to be
pn<hed to collection in the next Congress. He distinguished himself mainly, however, at this
session by a very exhaustive and .ible speech in opposition to the Morrison Tariff bill, whose in-
ijuities he exposed with unsparing hand, arousing public attention every where to the dangers with
\vlii(!h this Democratic measure threatened the industrial interests of the country. This speech,
more perhaps than any other, led to the ignominious defeat of that monstrous bill. After minutely
analyzing what he termed * The so-called Morrison Tariff, manufactured in New York City, by
order of the Free Trade League, under the inspiration of the American members of the English
Cobden Club,' he said :
*Asidc from the tax proposed to be levied on tea and coffee, the increased duties amount to
only $821,879.71, while the decrease for the year is over $26,000,000. Practically, however, even
if tea and coffee should not be taxed, there will be little or no decrease in the aggregate receipts.
The duties from the increase of importations, now unusually large, will overcome the reductions
proposed in the tariff, and in a very few years return a larger custom revenue than that now col-
lected. The Morrison tariff is an invitation to foreign manufacturers to surfeit our markets with
imported wares, and the opportunity will be i)romptly embraced. The extent of its evil tenden-
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL PAMILY. 213
cie3 can scarcely be measured, and the country now appeals to the wisdom of this Congress to save
the people from a practical realization of its fearful consequences/
In 1876, he was again elected to Congress by 18,224 votes against 12,656 votes for John H. Kil-
bourne, Democrat. He was placed, in the Forty-fifth Congress, n|K>n the committee on expenditures
in the Navy Department, and joined in the able minority report which so fully and clearly exoner-
ated Ex-Secretary Robeson from the charges which partisan malice had trumped ap against him.
He was also placed upon the committee on commerce, and was on the sub-committee that prepared
the River and Harbor bill. He secured to Michigan immense and unexpecTted appropriations for
greatly needed improvements in her rivers and harbors, among others, securing the deepening of
the St. Mary's river to sixteen feet. It was during this Congress that (November 2d, 1877) Mr.
Hubbell moved to strike out the enacting clause of the Ewing Anti-Resumption bill, and substitute
for it the following :
That so much of section 3 of an act to provide for resumption of specie payments, approved
January 14th, 1875, as provides for the redemption in coin, by the United States, of all legal-
tender notes outstanding on the 1st day of January, 1879, embraced in the clause of said section of
said act, in the language following, to wit: 'And on and after the Ist day of January, A. D. 1879, the
Secretary of the Treasury shall redeem in coin the Unite<l States legal-tender notes then outstand-
ing, on their presentation for redemption at the office of the Assistant Treasurer of the United
States, in the city of New York, in sums of not less than $50,' shall be so constrned as not to authorize
or require the Secretary of the Treasury to retire and cancel said notes, retleemed as aforesaid, but
to authorize and require said Secretary to deposit said notes in the Treasury of the United States,
whereupon said notes shall be paid out, at par value, in discharge of all claims and demands
against the itnited States, or in exchange for coin ; and said notes shall, as heretofore, continue to
be :i legal-tender, and on and after January 1st, 1879, shall be receivable, at their face value, in
payment of all dues to the government, and for all debts, except where coin payment is stipulated
by contract or statute ; and all provisions of law in conflict with this act are hereby repealed.
Mr. Hubbell's substitute was defeated, 84 Republicans and 6 Democrats voting for it, and
30 Republicans and 128 Democrats voting against it. But subsequently the 'Fort Bill,' which was
introduced April 29th, 1878, and which was substantially the same as the Hubbell substitute,
passed both Houses and became the law ; and Secretary Sherman also gave instructions for the receipt
of greenbacks for customs dues, thus vindicating in all essential respects the forethought and wisdom
of the Hubbell substitute. In this Congress Mr. Hubbell made speeches upon our foreign commerce
and upon the coinage of silver, both of which excited public attention. In 1878 he was again
elected to Congress by 15,264 votes against 7,478 votes for John Powers, Democrat. He was
placed, in the Forty-sixth Congress, upon the Committee of Appropriations ; was chairman of the
sub-committee on the Pension bill, and a member of the sub-committee on the Indian bill, in which
positions he has rendered important services to his constituency as well as to the entire country,
securing among others the perpetual freedom from tolls of the St. Mary's Canal. At the recent
meeting of his Congressional Convention he was again nominated for a fifth consecutive term in
Congress, and will, without doubt, be re-elected by even more than his usual large majority. From
his entry into Congress Mr. Hubbell has been continuously a member of the Republican Congres-
sional Committee. His great skill and experience in the political duties thus imposed upon him,
and his work in the campaign of 1878, earned for him in 1879 the chairmanship of that committee.
The vigorous and successful campaign of that year in Ohio securetl him the highest encomiums,
and both then and now he has devoted all his time and energies and abilities to the important
work of the committee, of which he is the guiding ^*pirit and controlling hand. Unable, by reason
of his absorbing labors at Washington, * the central post of duty,' as he terms it, to meet his imme-
diate constituents on the stump, he addressed to them October 2d, 1880, an 'open letter.' on the
'Overshadowing Issue,' showing in a miisterly manner 'the true inwardness of the Solid South,'
which was published in full in the Detroit Post and Tribune, and explained, as it had never before
been explained, the real programme of the * Solid South.' In concluding this 'stirring address,' as
the Po9i and Tribune characterizes it, Mr. Hubbell, alluding to the * Solid Southern leaders,' says :
214 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
' At all eosts they propose to get in power. At all costs they propose to keep in power. At
oil rosts they propose, when in power, to madden the North as well as impoverish and weaken it.
At all coffts they propose to force the Northern States to secede, and when the "Solid Soath,*' after
working all the ruin they contemplate, have driven the North into secession, the " Solid South," a
much larger and more powerful South than that which rebelled, will laugh a quiet, foxy laagh,
and say, *' Go, by all means ; we always believed in peaceable secession ! Yon are simply stultifying
your former course. We are ever consistent. Go, by all means, and a good riddance of yoa P'
This is the terrible revenge which the ' Solid South ' proposes, to force the North to not
onlv restore^ but to vindicaJU for all time the * Lost Cause ! '
Forty-seven electoral votes from the North will insure the success of that devilish conspiracy I
Is the North so blind as to give a single one ? Was the war for freedom and union waged in vain ?
For these priceless heritages the North stinted not her blood, her treasure, the lives of her beiA
and bravest sons. Was it all for nought ? Is she to gain by long and bloody and desolating war,
only to loose by the arts of treacherous demagogues ?
The Union soldier, Hancock, is but the mask which hides the trail of the rebel serpent.
' The hand is the hand of Esau, but the voice is the voice of Jacob.' Hancock chants the sweet
' music of the Union,' but through it all louder and shriller is heard the old rebel yell !
Freemen of America, be not deceived to your own undoing I Vote as yon once fooght V
To his personal efforts, more than to those of any other one man, was due the Republican
victory in Oregon— the first gun which saluted the nomination of Garfield and Arthur. Very
largely also is he entitled to credit for the thoroughness and completeness of the October victories in
Ohio and Indiana. But these victories, great as they were, served only to spur him to renewed eflbrts.
He saw with the genius of generalship that the time to forever wipe out the solidarity of the South
had come, and that the October defeat must in November be converted into a total root. With
characteristic decision he at once sounded this bugle charge, which stirred the whole party to
renewed eflfort :
' To thf Rfpublifan Voters of the United States :
We have met the enemy and they are ours. From Oregon, from Khode Island, from Ver-
mont, from Connecticut, have come recent voices bearing no uncertain sound, but booming and
ringing with the notes of Republican victory. And now Ohio giving us at least 25,000 popular
majority and sixteen of her twenty Congressional districts, and Indiana, giving us from 5,000 to
10,000 majority, probably nine of her thirteen Congressmen and her Legislature, with its certain
promise of a Republican United States Senator, join their swelling voices with these shouts of
triumph, and seem to make our coming victory sure.
The vote of yesterday is due to fear of Democratic ascendency, of solid Southern domination,
of the ruin to our industries which would follow Democratic Free Trade experiments, of the disas-
ters to business and to laboring and to other interests which would follof^ ** a change" of govern-
ment when all is prosperous now. It means, also, a united North against a vindictive Solid South.
W^e have pierced the enemy's centre, but we must not sleep on our arms. We most chai^ along
the whole line, and rout him " horse, foot and dragoons."
Republicans, remember that this is the " last ditch" of the "Solid South," and the desperation
of despair is not to be dei^ised. Stand by your colors ; rest not for an instant. Sustain your com-
mittees in the fight for doubtful districts; be vigilant, aggressive, pressing the enemy in the front,
in the rear, and on the flanks, and do not cease your efforts imtil a complete and overwhelming
victory in November shall crown them with the assurance of Republican ascendency and that free-
dom, peace and prosperity which will surely accompany it,
JaT A. HUBBELL,
Chairman Republican Congressional Committee.
Washington, October 13th, 1880.*
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY . 215
Teree, vigorous, and stirring as is this appeal, ho shows in energetic action as well as in
burning words his belief in the necessity for hard work to make the final success absolute and all
complete. He is found working at the Republican Headquarters, at Washington, day and nigh^
Chairman Hubbell is direct in logical processes and methods, has great decision and energy
of character, with sufficient caution for safety, and the requisite dash to evoke enthusiasm. His
manner is pleasantly blunt and direct. He is shrewd, careful, and his straightforward bluntness is
tempered with tact. His brain is large, his heart is large, his common sense is large and he stands
stead&stly by his friends. He would make a very useful Senator, and Michigan, if she ran
appreciate, and she has always shown she can, the sturdy, sledge-hammer eloquence, and skill and
energy of her best tried legislative sons, will not be apt to forget the name of Jay A. Hubbell when
she looks around next winter for a worthy successor to the lamented Zachariah Chandler."
NATHAN HUBBELL, son of George Augustus Hubbell and Huldah
Hall, was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, October 2ist, 1831. Until the age
of fourteen he resided with his parents, in the suburbs of Bridgeport, working
for neighboring farmers in the summer, and attending the district school in the
winter. Three or four years were then spent as an apprentice in saddle, har-
ness and trunk manufactories.
After a few weeks' service on a packet plying between New Bedford and
Edgartown, where he had gone without the knowledge of his parents, he
returned home. Later he became news agent on the Naugatuck Railroad, in
Connecticut, and was finally made brakeman and baggage-master on the mail
train of the same railway.
Subsequently he became messenger for the Adams Express Company
between New York and Springfield, Massachusetts. Resigning this position,
he spent nine years on the Harlem Railway as Conductor and ticket agent,
withdrawing from the occupation of conductor in 1859, that he might find
more time for study as a station agent at Harlem.
In the summer of the same year he visited Halifax and Guysborough,
Nova Scotia, partly in pursuit of health, and partly to gain information con-
cerning 700 acres of land belonging to his grandfather, Nathan Hubbell's estate.
On February i6th, 1 861, he was licensed as a local preacher in the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church, and decided to make the Christian ministry his life
work. In 1862 he became pastor of a small church of that denomination, at
Fordham, New York, meanwhile continuing his studies privately, and retain-
ing his position as railway agent.
In the spring of 1864 he formally resigned his secular employment, and
engaged heartily in the work of the ministry. His fields of pastoral labor have
been as follows: Harvard, Delaware County, New York; Milan, Bangall,
2i6 HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY,
Washington Hollow, Pleasant Valley, Verbank and Rochdale, Ducthess County,
New York ; Lakeville, Litchfield County, Connecticut ; North Egremont, Berk-
shire County, Massachusetts, and North Hillsdale, Columbia County, New York;
Cutchogue and Stony Brook, Suffolk County, New York ; Baldwin's and Long
Island Cit}% Queen's County, New York ; Forsyth Street, New York City ; New
Haven, Connecticut, and two years at Brooklyn, New York. In 1875 he vis-
ited Montreal and Quebec.
Though self-educated, he decided to pursue an additional course of study,
and besides the usual four years* course in the New York Methodist Episcopal
Conference, spent three years more at Yale Theological Seminary while pastor
of the New Haven City Missions.
Mr. Hubbell was married January 2d, 1854, at Williamsbui^, Long Island
(now Brooklyn), to Miss Cecilia A. King, daughter of Beri and Mary A. King.
Rev. Dr. Hiram Mattison performed the ceremony. Of seven children which^
have been bom to them, five are living.
Since the age of seventeen Mr. Hubbell has been a contributor to the
public press, including Tfie Christian Advocate^ of New York ; Zion's HcraU,
Boston, Massachusetts ; The Independent y Tribune^ Times and Herald, of New
York.
He has also edited several amateur papers, as follows: The Harlem
Traveler, The Centennial, The Sea Breeze, Camp Meeting Guide, Christmas
Courier and The Itinerant, the latter being still issued quarterly in the interest
of the churches of which he becomes pastor. Mr. Hubbell was the first editor
of The Long Island Traveler, a weekly paper still published by other parties,
at Southold, Long Island, New York. At present ( 1 88 1 ) he is pastor of the Stony
Brook and Setauket Methodist Episcopal Churches, Suffolk County, New
York, residing at the former place.
AUGUSTUS HUBBELL, of Ascutneyville, Windsor County, Vermont,
fifth son of Charles Benjamin Hubbell and Elizabeth Thompson, was bom in
Bridgeport, Connecticut, October 2d, 1832.
At the commencement of the Rebellion (1861), he was living in St. Louis,
Missouri, and left that city for New York, N. Y., where he entered the Union
Army, September nth, 1 861, as a Commissary Sergeant in the Fifty-ninth New.
York Volunteers. On October i ith, 1862, he was promoted to a Lieutenancy,
and received several other promotions. Was mustered out of service August
5th, 1865, as Captain and Commissary of Subsistence of the Second Brigade.
Second Division, and Second Corps, with the rank of Brevet-Major.
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY. 217
WILLIAM LEWIS HUBBELL, of Bridgeport, Fairfield County. Con-
necticut, son of William Lewis Hubbell, a well-known sea captain, and Eliza-
beth Tyler Bradley, his wife, was born in that portion of the town of Ffiirfield,
now included in the City of Bridgeport, on January i6th, 1833.
His grandfather, Aaron Hubbell, was a successful planter and revolution-
ary soldier.
Mr. Hubbell was educated for a mercantile life, and was in business in
Bridgeport, Connecticut, until 1862, when he accepted a commission as First
Lieutenant of Company D, Seventeenth Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, was
mustered into United States service, August 28th, 1862, subsequent to this he
was commissioned Adjutant, and afterwards Captain of Company D, and later.
Major of the same regiment.
He was taken prisoner of war in the battle of Gettysburgh, Pennsylvania,
while serving on the staff of Brigadier-General (afterwards Major-General)
Francis C. Barlow, commanding the First Division of the Eleventh Corps,
Army of the Potomac, on July ist, 1863, and held as a prisoner of war in Libby
Prison, Richmond, Virginia, until March 7th, 1864, when he was paroled and
afterwards exchanged. He completed his term of service with his regiment in
Florida, and was mustered out with the regiment in 1865.
HIRAM PEIRCE HUBBELL, of Harpersfield, Delaware County, New
York, son of Jacob R. Hubbell and Harriet Peirce, was born November 28th,
1847, i^ what is now the town of Gilboa, Schoharie County, New York. After
receiving a common-school education and attending the Stamford Seminary, at
the age of eighteen, he entered a dry goods store kept by a cousin, Lester
Hubbell, in Unadilla, Otsego County, New York, and remained there a little
over two years, after which he returned to Schoharie County, and settled in
Jefferson, where he opened a drug store. In 1873 he closed his business in
Jefferson, went to Harpersfield, Delaware County, New York, and commenced
the study of medicine with his brother. Dr. Richtmyer Hubbell. He gradu-
ated from the Eclectic Medical College of New York City, February 6th, 1876,
and immediately began the practice of medicine in Harpersfield, where he is
now (1881) located.
The Doctor has been a member of the Twenty-third Senatorial District
Medical Society from the time he began to practise, and has acted as one of
the board of censors nearly every year since until the present.
23
ANDREW LYMAN HUBBELL, of Great Barrington. Berkshire
County, Massachusetts, son of Luman Hubbcll and Jane Munro Boyd, was
born in Winsted, Connecticut, March 5th, 1834, and resided there until he was
nearly fourteen years of age.
For three summers he lived on the farms of his uncles, Norris Coe, and
Macpherson Hubbell.
He received a high-school education, which was supplemented by a course
at Wilson's Institute, in Jonesvillc, New York. After leaving the Institute he
held clerkships in Colbrook and Wolcottville, Connecticut, and was engaged
by Benedict & Scoville, of Waterbury, Connecticut, with whom he remained
for some time.
In 1855, he went to Great Barrington, Massachusetts, in the employ of B.
F. Durant, of the " City Store," with whom he remained one year.
In 1856, he formed a partnership with Mr. Hurlbert under the firm name
of Hurlbert & Hubbell, and purchased the clothing business of E. Doolittle,
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY, 219
which was carried on for one year, at the expiration of which Mr. Hubbell
purchased the entire interest of the concern, and since that time has carried on
the business alone.
His clothing house is one of the largest in western Massachusetts.
On September loth, 1857, he married Martha W., daughter of E. P. Wood-
worth, of Great Barrington.
Mr. Hubbell was for many years one of the Executive Board of the
Housatonic Agricultural Society, one of the largest and best managed county
societies in New England, and was made its President in 1877.
RICHTMYER HUBBELL, of Jefferson. Schoharie County, New York,
son of Jacob R. Hubbell and Harriet Peirce, was born in the town of Gilboa,
County of Schoharie, State of New York, on the bank of the Schoharie Creek,
not far from the iron bridge that now spans that stream, on February 2d, 1843.
His early life was spent in the towns of Gilboa and Blenheim, Schoharie County,
New York, on small farms, where he labored with his father, and attended the
district schools.
At the early age of sixteen years he commenced teaching the district
school, and continued to do so for five years, during the winter, laboring on
the farm during the summer.
In the fall of 1863 he emigrated to the West, and taught school the fol-
lowing winter at Almond, Portage County, Wisconsin, after which he enlisted as
private in Company M ist Wisconsin Heavy Artillery. The company was sta-
tioned at Fort Weed, near Alexandria, Virginia, where Mr. Hubbell acted as com*
pany clerk until the close of the war in 1865. He was discharged from the sef-
vice at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and returned to his father's home in New York.
On February 21st, 1866, he graduated as Physician and Surgeon from the
" Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery." In the following March
he commenced the practice of medicine at Harpersfield, Delaware County,
New York, where he had an extensive and successful practice, extending into
three different counties. He remained in practice at Harpersfield for eleven
years, and while residing there was four times elected Town Clerk, arid three
times Supervisor of the town.
On December 25th, 1877, he moved to the town of Jefferson, Schoharie
County, New York, where he has since resided and practised his profession.
On February 2d, 1880, he established ** The Jefferson Banking House,**
and since that time has carried on a banking business, in connection with his
profession.
For the last five years Doctor Hubbell has been President of the " Eclectic
Medical Society of the Twenty-third Senatorial District." The Doctor is 5wx
feet one inch in height, and weighs 220 pounds.
^^^^^^-/^-uui
LESTER HUBBELL.'of Savannah, Georgia, the second son of Hiram
Hubbell and Molissa Cady, was bom in the village of Gilbertsville, town of
Butternuts, County of Otsego, State of New York, on November 17th, 1835.
He attended school at an early age in his native village, until 1846, when his
father and family moved to Montrose, Pennsylvania, but only remained a
year. In consequence of the foundry and machine works of that place, of
which he had charge, taking a mechanical partner, his father's services were
no longer required, and he moved to Unadilla, New York, where he accepted
a similar position. In the fall of 1849 it was decided by his parents that
he should take a clerkship, instead of following his father's occupation, for
which ho had a remarkable talent; owing to his slender build and delicate
constitution, he was persuaded to become apprenticed to Mr. W, H. Emor>',
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 221
of Unadilla, a dealer in general merchandise, with whom he served his time
faithfully. In 1854 he went to Orcutt Creek, Pennsylvania, to take charge of
a store and steam saw-mill, which his father and David Gardner, of that place,
had erected. The mill was destroyed by fire soon after, and he went to Wa-
verly, New York, in the employ of H. Payne & Sons, dealers in general mer-
chandise and furniture, and remained with them until 1859, when he returned
to Unadilla and accepted a position offered him by Mr. Emory, his first em-
ployer, with the understanding that he was soon to be admitted as a partner,
but as they could not agree as to the time the partnership should commence,
he, in June, 1862, with his small capital from wages saved, added to a few
hundred dollars loaned him by his elder brother. Oretus, went into business on
his own account, against the advice and counsel of all his friends, except his
uncle, Solon P. Hubbell, whose store he rented and opened June i8th, 1862.
With a small, well-assorted stock of merchandise, he soon commanded a re-
spectable share of the country and town trade, which increased so rapidly that at
the end of thirteen months he had paid back his borrowed money and more than
doubled his own capital, and had established a sound credit for future business
operations. He then took his brother-in-law, George H. French, as a partner,
and added other features to the business. In 1865 he bought out Mr. French's
interest, and in the fall of that year was married to Mary A., second daughter
of VVm. J. Thompson, Esq., of Unadilla, New York, and continued in business
there until 1868, in which year he went South on an inspecting tour, which
terminated in his selling out his store and moving part of his stock to Flem-
ing, Liberty County, Georgia, twenty-four miles west of Savannah ; he there
purchased a half interest in a large tract of land, and went into business with
J. D. Stevens. Having a large body of pine timber on their lands, they were
induced to take a partner and purchase a saw-mill, both of which proved un-
profitable investments ; the firm was soon sold out, and Mr. Hubbell returned
North in disgust. In this business venture they lost over eight thousand dol-
dars in less than twelve months. In 1872 he sold his interest at Fleming to
Mr. Stevens, and moved to the centre of the State, going into partnership with
J. O. Easterling, at Reidsville, the county town of Tatnall County, situated in
the midst of the yellow pine timber section ; here they did a successful busi-
ness, nearly all the proceeds of timber and cotton coming in to that place, in
the shape of checks on banks in Savannah. They were induced in 1875 ^^
establish the Tatnall County Bank, in connection with E. C. Anderson, Jr., &
Co., of Savannah, and they issued a circulating medium in the form of a draft,
engrave4 and printed in bank note form, to pay out for these checks ; it was
organized and in operation only two or three months before Congress passed
an act taxing such circulation three per cent., which was, in fact, prohibitory,
and the issue was called in immediately. He remained in business there until
222 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
July, 1877, when he removed to Savannah to act as agent for a large provision
house in St Louis, Missouri, and in the fall of that year, with his brother,
Oretus, and H. N. Graham, of that city, rented a desirable store on Market
square, and began a city retail and country jobbing trade of groceries and pro-
visions ; the competition for the retail trade was so great that they gradually
dropped most of it, and sought to increase trade in their wholesale department
At the suspension of the St Louis house, Mr. Hubbell turned his atteotion to
the country trade, and with the large country acquaintance he had made in
the interior, soon built up a trade equal to other houses that have been estab-
lished for a much longer period of time.
Mr. Hubbell's early life was spent under the influence of the Methodists
religiously, and Whigs and Republicans politically, but always loving the fun-
damental principles and grand truths of all doctrines, and disliking all side issues
and isms, he has accepted the Episcopal church faith, the Democratic stand-
ard politically, and the Masonic fraternity socially ; persons are not quick to
form his acquaintance, and seldom, if ever, at first sight Respected in all
communities where he has lived, his advice and counsel are frequently sought,
and his general knowledge of things pertaining to every-day life places him in
a position to be of service to his friends. In manner he is courteous and un-
assuming ; is a quiet, persistent laborer, and contents himself with the reward
he derives from it.
RICHARD HENRY HUBBELL, of Appomattox County. Virginia, son
of Truman Mallory Hubbell and Mary Ann Flower, was bom August 26th,
1825, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
He was formerly Superintendent of the Jackson Steel Works, at Alleghany
City, Pennsylvania, and resided for many years in Chester, Delaware Count}'.
Pennsylvania, whence he removed, in 1880, with his eldest son, Truman
Henry Hubbell, to their present residence (near Concord) Appomattox Count}',
Virginia.
United States Patents were granted to Mr. Hubbell, and his brother,
William W., for improvements in refining cast-iron, which iron, tested at the
Navy Yard, Washington, D. C, gave the unparallelled tensile strength of
60.958 pounds to the square inch. (For further particulars concerning Mr.
Hubbell, see his brother's sketch on page 193; also, Martin's " History of
Chester," page 445.)
JAMES BOYD HUBBELL, of Mankato. Blue Earth County. Minne-
sota, son of Luman Hubbell and Jane Munro Boyd, was bom in Winsted, Con-
necticut, March i8th, 1836.
In 1853, he went south and resided at Fort Gaines, Georgia, during the
greater part of his stay in that country.
In 1857, h^ moved with his family to Minnesota, where he was appointed
Indian Trader. In 1862, after the " massacre," he removed to the Missouri
River-
He bought out the interest of Charles Choteau, of St. Louis, Missouri, in
the "American Fur Company," in 1864, and organized the "Northwestern
Fur Company," of which he was general manager until its dissolution in
1870.
224 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
Since then he has been engaged in different pursuits throughout the west,
and is at present (1881,) engaged in the mercantile business, under the firm
name of " Broadwater, Hubbell and Company," having their headquarters at
Miles City, near Fort Keogh, on the Yellowstone River, Montana Territory.
JOHN HENRY HUBBELL, of New York, N. Y., son of Nelson Silli-
man Hubbell, (bom in Easton, Connecticut,) and Mary Porter Lawrence, (bom
in Norfolk, Connecticut,) was bom in Algonac, St. Clair County, Michigan,
January 19th, 1837.
In 1839, his parents removed to Jackson, Michigan, then nearly a wilder-
ness, containing about one hundred inhabitants.
His early educational advantages were necessarily limited, he received
however, the benefit of an academical course preparatory to entering college,
but unfortunately ill health compelled him to forego so completing his studies.
Preferring a commercial life, at the s^e of fifteen he entered the store of
Wiley R. Reynolds, in Jackson, and his rapid acquirement of commercial
methods, and his aptitude for business was such, that in 1855, at the age of
eighteen he commenced business on his own account in which he was quite suc-
cessful. The scope of his enterprise becoming circumscribed, a large field of
operations became necessary, and hence he removed to Memphis, Tennessee,
in 1859, where he succeeded in building up a very extended and remunerative
business, but which was entirely broken up and ruined by the war of the
rebellion.
Then followed the additional misfortune of the loss of health, and his
life being despaired of, during 18^62 he returned to the north, where he im-
proved so rapidly that he was enabled in the following year, in connection with
capitalists, to devote his energies to the development of the oil wells of Meade
County, Kentucky.
In 1 866, he embarked in business in St. Louis, Missouri, but remained
there but a comparatively short time. His great experience had suggested to
him that he might supply a need that had long been appreciated by the lawyers
and business men of the country, and in 1869 he projected the plan and com-
menced the annual publication of " Hubbell's Legal Directory of the United
States and Canada," which was designed to be a compendium of the Commer-
cial laws of the various States of the Union and the Canadas, and to contain a
list of the able and reliable attorneys throughout the land.
This work, now (1881) in the twelfth year of its publication has become
invaluable in the office of every prominent lawyer in the country.
Its success has been most pronounced and its circulation extended so ra-
HISTORY OB THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 225
pidly that it soon necessitated a location more convenient for its requirements,
and hence Mr. Hubbell removed to New York City in 1870, where he has since
resided.
His place of business is 407 and 409 Broadway, where under the firm
name of J. H. Hubbell & Co., he conducts an extensive law and collection
office in addition to his publications.
Mr. Hubbell married Mrs. Martha A. Lenian {nee Baggott), of Dayton,
Ohio, June nth, 1871.
SINGLETON BEALL HUBBELL, of Medford, Taylor County, Wis-
consin, son of Levi Hubbell and Mary Morris Beall, was born April 27th,
1855, i^ Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Educated at the Wisconsin State University.
Commenced studying medicine in 1871. Graduated as a physician and sur-
geon, February 14th, 1874 ,at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, in New York
City. Immediately entered upon the practice of his profession at Medford,
Wisconsin.
On December 12th, 1877, he purchased the Taylor County Star and News^
and is one of the proprietors at present.
On October loth, 1879, he received the Republican nomination for the
office of County Treasurer, and was elected to that office at the ensuing elec-
tion in November, for the term of two years. Is a member of the Episcopal
Church, a Republican and a bachelor.
On August loth, 188 1, he opened in Medford a real estate and banking
office, under the firm-name of S. B. Hubbell & Co.
JAMES ALLEN HUBBELL, of Quincy, Logan County, Ohio, son of
Hezekiah Bloomfield Hubbell and Sarah Johnstone, was born October i6th,
1844.
In 1867 he entered the Starling Medical College of Columbus, Ohio, from
which he graduated February 28th, 1870, and is at present (1881) practicing
his profession in Quincy.
24
^^^^z^^^kC^/^-^^
FREDERICK MARION HUBBELL, of Des Moines, Polk County.
Iowa, eldest son of Francis Burritt Hubbell and Augusta Church, was born
January 17th, 1839, in Huntington, Upper White Hills, Fairfield County, Con-
necticut.
After receiving a classical education in Binningham Connecticut, Mr.
Hubbell removed to Des Moines, Iowa, with his father, in 1855, where he re-
mained for eleven months, employed in the United States Land Office,
In 1856, he moved to Sioux City, Iowa, in which neighborhood he re-
mained until 1861, holding several county offices, during his residence of five
years.
On returning to Des Moines, he entered into partnership with J. S. Polk,
Esq., with whom he has since been associated under the firm name of Polk &
Hubbell, Attorneys and Brokers.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 227
The firm has been remarkably successful in numerous large speculations,
and has organized various stock companies, built the city water works, many
large buildings in the heart of the city, and several railroads.
Mr. Hubbell and his partner are not only among the best known finan-
ciers and capitalists in Iowa, but are destined to have a wide-spread and well-
deserved popularity in journalism as proprietors of The Iowa State Leader,
It is superflous to say that the great success of the house of Polk &
Hubbell, is largely due to the business capacity of Mr. Hubbell, for although
only forty years of age, the fortune he has amassed is of large proportions.
As a man he is held in great esteem by his fellow-citizens, and his fame
and fortune may well be envied by men who have not been as successful.
In June, 1863, he married Miss Frances E., daughter of Isaac Cooper,
Esq., and grand-neice of James Fenimore Cooper, the celebrated novelist.
They have two children, Frederick Cooper Hubbell, their only son, now a
young man of seventeen, has inherited his father's business capacity, and will, in
a few years, be fully qualified to take his place in the firm, should he decide to
retire.
Beulah Frances Hubbell, their only daughter, has a remarkable talent
for music.
JOHN D. HUBBELL, of Kelley's Corners, Delaware County, New
York, son of Milow W. Hubbell and Mary Faulkner, was born, July 8th, 1836,
in " Bray Hollow Settlement,'* Delaware County, New York.
Was brought up a farmer.
When in his twenty-third year he became a member of the " Old School"
Baptist Church of Roxbury, Delaware County, Ne\v York, and three years
after was licensed to preach the gospel and was ordained in September, 1872.
IDA W. HUBBELL, daughter of James Hubbell, and Ann Requa, of
Peekskill, New York, was born in Peekskill, New York, March iSth, 1847.
Miss Hubbell has a soprano voice of great power and compass, and is one
of the most artistic singers on the American stage.
She is well known on the concert stage in New York and Boston, and has
become a favorite in many of the principal cities of the United States.
.^^. / A/o.^-^c.6t
WILLIAM STONE HUBBELL. of Somcrvillc. Middlesex County,
Massachusetts, son of Stephen Hubbell and his accomphshed wife, Martha
Stone, was bom In Wolcottsville, Connecticut, April 19th, 1839,
Mr. Hubbell graduated at Yale College, in the class of 1858, and in the
autumn of 1859, entered the junior class of the Theological Seminary, at An-
dover, Massachusetts, where he remained two years.
In August. 1862, he enlisted as a private in the Twenty-fifth Connecticut
Volunteers, and was made second lieutenant of the Twenty-first Connecticut
Volunteers, in December of the same year.
His career in the army was brilliant. At the close of the war he was
commissioned brevet-major, and returned to spend his third year in the Semi-
nary at Andover.
Mr. Hubbell served as assistant minister (before he was ordained), to
Reverend Richard S. Storrs, D.D., at Braintree, Massachusetts, from September,
HISORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY. 229
1866, to January, 1868. Was ordained, January 29th, 1868, as pastor of the
South Evangeh'cal Church, West Roxbury, Massachusetts, where he remained
four years. Was installed January 31st, 1872, over the First Congregational
Church of Somerville, Massachusetts.
As a pastor he has never received an act or a word of unkindness from a
parishioner, and therefore knows nothing of such ministerial trials as fell to the
lot of his father, the Reverend Stephen Hubbell. He has always been led to
respect, most thoroughly, the piety of Christians as a class, and to believe that
the majority of Pharisees are outside the Church, instead of being professors of
religion.
In 1866, Mr. Hubbell married Caroline, daughter of Alfred Southmayd,
Esq., of Middletown, Connecticut, and is now(i88i) pastor of the First Con-
gregational Church at Somerville, Massachusetts. He is greatly beloved by
his congregation, and has been repeatedly blessed with revivals.
MACPHERSON HUBBELL, of Winchester, Litchfield County, Con-
necticut, son of Silliman Hubbell and Hannah Taylor, was born, August 24th,
1803.
He was named Macpherson, in honor of a Scotch officer bearing that
name attached to General LaFayette's command during the Revolutionary
War.
Mr. Hubbell has always been a farmer, is a kind neighbor, a prominent
Mason, and much beloved and respected by his numerous friends and relatives.
MARY ELIZABETH HUBBELL, was born at Mt. Carmel, Connecti-
cut, December 5th, 1833.
She was the only daughter of Reverend Stephen Hubbell, now (1881) re-
siding in New Haven, Connecticut, and his accomplished wife, Martha Stone,
authoress of "Shady Side." Miss Hubbell was naturally gifted in intellectual
qualities, and under the careful training of her parents, and the schools she
attended, became fitted for, and accepted the position of principal teacher in a
young ladies' school in Baltimore, Indiana, the year before her decease.
She died in the twenty-first year of her age, regretted by all.
Her writings of prose and poetry remain to justify the tribute paid to her
by her mother :
" Child of genius and of song ;
Child, too, of God."
^. ^, A^i.<>^-d^^(^^
LUMAN LEROY HUBBELL, ofDanbuiy, Fairfield County, Connecticut,
son of Charles Hubbell and Maria Taylor, was born in Danbury, October 2d,
1S43-
He received a common school education, which he supplemented by a
course of instruction in Bryant & Stratton's Business College, Bridgeport, Con-
necticut, and entered the fancy dry goods store of F. H. Austin & Co. during
the spring of 1859, where he remained six years.
Was clerk in the insurance office of T. Jones for two years {1867-S),
and in the spring of the latter year opened an insurance office in Chicago,
Illinois.
The great fire in that city destroyed all the companies for which he was
agent, and he accepted the agency of the Mutual Life Insurance Company, of
Now York City, in October, 1869.
He was elected to the office of Town Clerk and Registrar of births, mar-
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY. 231
riages, and deaths in October, 1872, and was re-elected for five succeeding
years, holding the office until January ist, 1879.
In the spring of 1879 he was active in the establishment of a Telephone
Exchange in Danbury and Bethel, that resulted in the organization of "The
Danbury Telephone Despatch Company," of which he was appointed Man-
ager, and on October ist, 1879, he had the great satisfaction of seeing fifteen
miles of wire in use, and eighty stations in communication with each other.
He was Chief Engineer of the Danbury Fire Department for two years,
being elected in 1878-9.
The duties of his present position have obliged him to abandon all public
pursuits ; he, however, still retains the agency of the " Mutual Life Insurance
Company."
As a man he is held in great esteem by his fellow-citizens, is strictly tem-
perate, never using alcoholic drinks or tobacco in any form.
His father, while living in Grassy Plain (now Bethel, Connecticut), was
killed by being run over by a train of the Danbury and Norwalk Railroad
Company's cars, near their depot in Danbury, on September 2Sth, 1857.
His mother married a second husband, Stephen Bates, of Danbury, Con-
necticut, on March 28th, 1858, and died, April 15th, 1876.
Mr. Hubbell was a member of the Board of trustees of the Union Sav-
ings Bank of Danbury in 1878-9, but declined re-election in 1880.
The " I. M. Ives Company," (formerly Ives & Hoyt,) of which he was
appointed Secretary on the organization of the stock company, is an old-estab-
lished house, and now (1881) does the largest business in furniture and house-
furnishing goods of any concern in the southwestern part of Connecticut.
CLARA ISABELLA HUBBELL, daughter of Samson Harvey Hub-
bell and Isabella Hall Acton, his wife, was born, December 30th, 1843, in
Ohio.
Miss Hubbell graduated at the Wesleyan College, Cincinnati, Ohio, in
1861.
In 1862 she was married to Robert W. Richey, in 1880 manager of the
Evansville Oil Tank Line, a branch of Alexander McDonald & Co.'s estab-
lishment in Cincinnati, Ohio.
She has spent much time in the cultivation of vocal music, being the
possessor of a remarkable voice, and has composed several pieces of music
that have been published. Of late years she has given her attention to paint-
ing in oil, and writing for the Cincinnati papers.
Mr. and Mrs Richey have one child (a daughter), and resided in Evansville,
Indiana in 1880.
^"^Al^ >/JfaEc ^4J(^
ALVIN ALLACE HUBBELL, of Buffalo, Erie County, New York, son
of Schuyler Philip Hubbell and Hephzibah Farnsworth, was bom in Cone-
wango, Cattaraugus County, New York, May ist, 1846.
He was raised on the farm in Conewango, and received his early education
at the district school. When in his fourteenth year he entered the Randolph
Academy, (now Chamberlain Institute, 1881,) in Randolph, New York, where
he remained for six terms of fourteen weeks each. In December, i86l,hc was
awarded one of the " H. H. Otis" (Buffalo, New York,) prizes for meritorious
declamation.
At the age of seventeen years he commenced teaching, and continued to
do so in the district school with success for five terms.
In the summer of 1865 he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. J.
G. Ackley, of Cattaraugus, New York, and afterwards with Dr. Lyman Twam-
ley, of Little Valley, New York.
After attending the Eclectic Medical College of Pennsylvania, from which
he received a diploma on January 4th, 1869, he commenced the practice of
medicine in Leon, New York, February ist,of the same year.
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY. 233
Becoming dissatisfied with his Alma Mater ^ through knowledge that came
to him after graduation, concerning practices of a questionable character of
which he was entirely ignorant before receiving his diploma, he determined to
graduate in another college, and spent the winter of 1875-6, at the Medical De-
partment of the University of Buffalo, from which he receivad a diploma, on
February 23d, 1876, conferring the degree of " Doctor of Medicine." While
attending this college he was the recipient of a " Fillmore " cash prize for the
best thesis on a medical topic, his subject being " Observation and Fact, the
Basis of Medical Progress."
He has performed many important surgical operations among which may
be mentioned several delicate operations on the eye and ear. On April i8th,
1877, he performed the surgical operation known as Laparotomy, for Intus-
susception, it being the fourth recorded operation for that disease in the United
States.
In 1879, ^^ ^^^^ appointed lecturer on diseases of the eye, ear, and throat,
in the Buffalo College of Physicians and Surgeons, and in 1880, was elected
professor, which position he still holds. *
In October, 1879, he removed from Leon to Buffalo where he now resides,
(1881) and practices his profession, making diseases of the eye, ear, and throat a
specialty.
Dr. Hubbell has contributed largely to the various medical periodicals, and
read numerous papers before medical societies.
ALEXANDER CAMPBELL HUBBELL, of Lexington, Fayette
County, Kentucky, son of Cyrus Hubbell and Eighttha Darnell, was born in
Warren County, Tennessee, January 12th, 1844.
At the age of nine years he had the mumps, which left him a cripple for
life, and so incapacitated him for an active career, that he became a teacher.
In 1863-4, he was a clerk in the Quartermaster's Department, United
States Army, in Arkansas, and after the war resumed his profession of
teaching.
In 1867, he became a student in the Kentucky University, in Lexington,
and pursued his studies for three sessions.
In 1869 he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, to have a contrivance made that
would enable him to walk without a crutch, and while there was persuaded to
have his leg amputated that he might wear a false one, he submitted to the opera-
tion, and died from its effects on February loth, 1869. Is buried in the Lexing-
ton Cemetery, Lexington, Kentucky.
25
JAyt-<-^'i^
ORRIN ZKIGLER HUBBELL, of Butler, De Kalb County, Indiana,
son of William Hosmer Hubbell and Sarah A. Zeigler, was born in Kelso,
Huntington County, Indiana, March 30th, 1856. At the age of four years he
moved with his parents to Butler, De Kalb County, Indiana, prepared for
college, and graduated from the Butler High School, June 20th, 1873.
The fall following he entered the Indiana State University. While in college
he ranked very high in his class. The Indiana Student, a paper published
at the University, mentioned him as "one of the finest students and the
best debater in college." Mr, Hubbell graduated on June 13th, 1877, taking
the honor of the " Philosophical Oration," and standing third in the classical
course. He returned to Butler, where he began the study of law with Captain
R. A. Franks, and was admitted to the Bar at Auburn, Indiana, in the same
HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY. 235
year. In 1878 he accepted the editorial chaise of the Butler Record, which
position he resigned in 1879 to accept the superintendency of the graded
schools at Monroeville, Indiana. Being called to deliver the oration over the
graves of our fallen heroes of the late war, at Butler, in 1880, the press did
him the honor to report and publish his address in full.
WALTER HUBBELL, grandson of Truman Mallory Hubbell, and sec-
ond son of William Wheeler Hubbell and Elizabeth Catharine Ramillie, was
born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 26th, 1851.
Made his first appearance on the stage, October 10th, 1872, and since then
has been a member of the Dramatic Profession.
Is the author and compiler of this History of the Hubbell Family. His
portrait &cing the title page is from a photograph taken in 18801
ARMORIAL ENSIGNS.
"Genealogical accounts of the Hubbell Family with origin, from authentic
Sources.
Ex, Bibl, Londinens.
This Hubbell family is originally a Dane family. In the year 1016 they
spread themselves over England. That time reigned a Dane, King Canute, both
over Denmark and England. In said year a Dane Nobleman, Harold Hubbell,
in the county of Northumberland, received from the King, as reward for faithful
services, the estate and fortress Haroldstone. His wife's name was Maria Moest-
ing, and after his death in the year 1035, he left three sons and one daughter.
The daughter's name was Eugenia, and became the wife of the nobleman of Mel-
ville, whose family is yet at present flourishing in England. Of the three sons,
two fell in the battle near Hastings. This happened in the year 1066 while the
Normans were invading England, and the third son, Hugo Hubbell, was forced
to leave his estate. Since that time Hugo as warrior, roved through England
and France. The figures of his shield were two ravens heads and two estoiles.
On the helmet a tower partly demolished, was at length adopted in memory of
his loss, two eagles are holding the shield. These figures became the figures
in the escutcheon of that family. Hugo, as he was already 60 years of age,
was married to Betty Moore, and they settled themselves in the county of Rut-
land, in the year 1 113. This family flourished there yet in the year 1 190, on
the estate Hunsbog and Horstone, while four noblemen of this name went with
King Richard Lionheart of England, from England to the Holy Land, and
never returned.
A fifth nobleman of this name, Andrew Hubbell, was married to Eliza
Peel, and lived in Horstone. Since that time accounts of this family are want-
ing. In the year 1463, it is mentioned that in the struggle between the houses.
York and Lancaster, the estates of this family were totally destroyed. That
time Walter Hubbell became perfectly poor, went with his family, wife and
children, to the Isle of Man, where he took service on board of a ship, and
after many passages he at last collected as much as he wanted to establish a
little merchant house at Plymouth, England. He died about the year 1515,
and left a son whose name was William Hubbell, who continued and extended
his deceased father's business.
if hli brathen wers klll«]).
fwlt Sump. <bal-nf-Armt.
ARMORIAL ENSIGNS. 237
This said William Hubbell was married to Annie Mimant, a French lady,
and died very old, in the year 1576. He left but one son, whose name was*
Francis Hubbell, married to two wives. His first wife got no children, but
with his second, whose name was Sophia Brown, he had.
This Francis Hubbell, in the year 161 5, had fi-eighted a ship, intending
to go with her to the East Indies, but there was never anything heard again,
neither of him nor of the ship and crew. His widow was yet alive about the
year 165 1 at Plymouth, and two sons whose names were Francis and Edward
Hubbell, they pursued not their father's business, and of their further fate is
nothing known.
Vide Europ. Coat-of-Arms
and Genealogical accounts
Bibl. Londin."
The foregoing genealogical account and coat-of-arms pertaining to it were
obtained about forty years ago by a member of the family in Fairfield County,
Connecticut, now (1881) deceased.
If it is an authentic account, Richard Hubbell the First was probably the
son of Francis or Edward Hubbell, of Plymouth, Devonshire, England. This
being the case, he must have had some acquaintance with the relatives of the
Pilgrims who came to America in the May Flower in 1620, and being a mem-
ber of the same religious denomination, he naturally left the country to escape
persecution, and became a member of the New Haven Colony.
It is very probable that he left Plymouth in a vessel that cleared for the
New England Colony from a port in Wales, in order to avoid detention by the
Crown, which accounts for a tradition that he came from Wales.
" 123 E. 23d STBEirr,
New York City, October 23d, 1880.
Walter Hubbell, Esq., Philadelphia.
My Dear Sir : — I encloee photographic copy of the ' Hubbell Arms,' from the original in
my po68e66ion, which I obtained, on personal application, at the ' Doctors Commons/ or ' College
of Heraldry,' while in London, England, in August, 1831. I am thus particular for the reason
that, too oAen we have imposed upon us copies furnished by strangers passing through the country,
without any authority of their being correct
The motto, * NE CEDE M ALIS SED CONTRA ' reads when translated, * Yield not to
misfortunes, but surmount them.'
I am, dear sir, yours truly,
(Signed) Henry Wilson Hubbell.''
•
The foregoing letter explains itself. It is a fact worthy of record, how-
ever, that the Hubands of Great Britain use the same coat-of-arms as the one
referred to in the aforesaid letter from Henry Wilson Hubbell, Esq., but have
a different motto. This fact fully corroborates the statement made on page 4,
238 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
and proves conclusively that the Huband family is also of the Hubba's Hill
family of Great Britain, and therefore of Danish origin.
The coat-of-arms containing the leopards' heads and ostrich feathers be-
longs to the Hubbald family, another branch of the Hubba's Hill family of
Great Britain. The leopards' heads plainly point to the Danish origin of this
branch (see page 3), and the three ostrich feathers seem to indicate its Welsh
extraction, for three ostrich feathers are now used in the armorial decorations
of the Prince of Wales.
On page 4 we state that Hubbell is so spelled in Wales at the present
day (1881). The last Hubbell heard of in Wales is said to have lived in Gla-
morganshire, and to have spoken no language but Welsh. He was bom there,
spelled his name Hubbell, and is probably dead, for our informant — a Welsh-
man— has not heard of him for over twenty-five years. His name is said to
have been Morris Hubbell, and his trade that of a stonecutter. *
A list of persons who spell their name Hubble can be seen in the London
Directory. In 1881 there lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a family named
Ffubeli, of Italian origin, and in the same year several families were living in
Baltimore, Maryland, descended from Benedict Hubbell, of Baden, Germany.
A record of his descendents is given in the Appendix.
In Burke's History of the Commoners, volume I, page 372, (Astor Li-
brary, New York,) it is recorded that " Charlotte Hubbell, daughter of Dr.
Hubbell, married Francis Foote, son of Sir James Foote, K. C. B. Vice-Ad-
miral of the Red of Highfield, near Southampton. She had issue two daugh-
ters, whose names are not known."
There are several families in the United States whose name is spelled
Hubel, and as the following description of their coats-of-arms is very interest-
ing, we are sure it will be read with satisfaction :
Hobel d'Olengo, — Aut. (Barons, 24. joillet 1855,) Coup^: au 1 d'or aa lion de gu., pass, sur
la trabe d'an drapeau, la trabe tort, de sin., d'arg. et de gu., arm. d'arg., le drapeau fasc^ de trois
pieces de gu., de sin., et d'arg. ; le lion brandlssaut de sa patte deztre un sabre d'arg. et tenant de
sa sen. un pennon coup€ de sa. sur or, la trabe de sa., arm. d'arg. ; au 2 de gu. au chev. d'arg., ch.
d^me carabine etd'un sabre, pass^ en saut. ; le chev, surm. d'un grdlier d'or ch. du chiffre F. J., et
c6toy4 de deux tubes, de cannon d^or. Cq. cour. C. : le lion iss., tenant le sabre et le pennon L. : a
deztre d'or et de gu., a sen, d'arg. et. de gu D.: Fortuna Audaces juvat, en lettres d'or sur on listel
de gu. Hubel — Bav. De gu. ^ un agneau d'arg., pass, sur un tertre de sa. C. : I'agneau, iss. Hubel —
Saxe (An., 13 avril 1804.) I^arg. au chene de sin., pos^ sur un tertre du m^me. Cq. oour. C: une
^toile d'arg., soutenue d' un croiss. figure du m^me, entre un vol d'arg. et de sin. See " Rietstap
Armorial Oeneral," page 535.
TO
RICHARD HUBBELL
THE FIRST OF THE NAME IN AMERICA.
Prologue.
O honored sire ; whose brave, ancestral blood
To Albion's isle from ancient Daneland flowed,
And thro* thy glorious ancestor ;
Who with his legions sought old Britain's shore,
Swept o'er its hills with battle-axe and lance
Resistless as an Alpine avalanche,
And like the gods of old, by battle's gage,
Won fame, and fief, and vassaled heritage.
And thou did'st leave thy father's castled walls,
Its towers, and battlements, and armoried halls ;
Its well-worn helmets blurr'd with many a dent;
Its well-hacked claymores, dank with rust and
bent;
Its steel-clad bosks, and many a bandoleer ;
Its blazoned shields, impinged with many a
spear ;
Its tattered banners, borne in many a fight ;
Its rifted standards, reared on many a height ;
And far across Atlanta's surging breast,
Made here thy home, loved, honored, blest ;
Here reared brave hearts concordant with thine
own,
Taught them to hate a tyrant and despise a
throne ;
A race with iron wills, and iron laws.
Firm as their granite hills in Freedom's cause ;
Stem as the Roman who condemned his son ;
Unchanging as those laws cut deep in stone ;
With stalwart physique, rough, yet not uncouth.
Surcharged with love of God, and Man, and
Truth;—
These, thy descendants from that austere age :
Proud are they of their Sire, their name, and
heritage.
For thee O Sire ! we fain would twine the bays
Of honor, love, and homage, in thy praise ;
Green in our hearts O Sire ! thou livcst yet.
Nor will our children's children thee forget ;
But lisp thy name, for years on years along
The waves of Time, all musical with song.
I.
Sire of an hundred Sires I thy spotless name
Is wreathed and blended with a glorious fame,
A name untarnished by the tide of years;
A name unstained by greed or penance tears ;
A name unsullied by the touch of Time ;
Grand art thou in thy lineage ; in thy race sub-
lime.
II.
Sire of a thousand Sons I who gavest them
The electric spark that maketh patriot men ;
For were they not begot in Freedom's clime ;
Nor taught of Freedom in their nursery rhyme,
Still each would be fair Freedom's devotee.
For all were patriots from their very infancy.
III.
O patriot Sire ! no craven race is thine !
In all their country's wars their serried glories
shine ;
For when the war-clouds poured their iron rain.
And when our land was travailing in her pain.
Then did thy sons amid the battle's red reflow
Bivouac upon the field, the nearest to the foe.
IV.
O loyal Sire ! successive generations prove
The bravery of thy sons I their country's love !
Where met contending ho^ts ! where met the
brave !
Where sulphurous lightning's flashed ! where
flashed the glave,
HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
There the;, like thoK of old Thennop/lK
Hsve fought ; and figbtiag gave their all to Lib-
V.
O peerlen Sire ! by thee we proudljr ue
Co-hein, with all th; bods and daaghten fair,
Who from thy loins two handred yean ago,
Have grown in nniuben as the forests grow;
Whilst thon like Patriarclu in ages gone.
Hast slept — most deep until the Beanrrection's
VL
«t!
How grand the futnre of two centuries yel.
When Bona of sons Iheir lineal sons bc^^ .'
Tea, Sainted Sire ! thon shouldst like Seer of
Old!
In vision wr^ have seen thy lineage maoilbld.
vir.
O hallowed Siie I two hundred yean ! two hun-
dred yean]
Of atonns and calnu, of ■anshine, hopes, and
Hare rolled ; yea, rolled into the mighty Past \
Since thou, in realms illimited and vast!
In realuiB refulgent in primeral light ! haat trod
The atatry spheres that pave the City of our God.
WiLUAX Lafayettk TTimmni.
New Yoai Crrr. ISM.
GENEALOGICAL RECORD OF TEN GENERATIONS.
DESCENDANTS OF RICHARD HUBBELL,
THE FIRST MAN OF THE NAME IN AMERICA.
IssHfC of First Oeneration.
1 to 15.
1. ^Richard Hubbell, of Pequonnock, Fairfield Co., Colony of Conn., b. 1627-8,
in Great Britain, d. Oct. 23d, 1699, at his residence in Pequonnock. See
p. 4. He m. first, Elizabeth, daughter of John Meigs, Sr., of the New Haven
Colony, Conn., in 1650-51. She d. in 1664-5, in Pequonnock. Had issue:
2. *John, b. about 1652, in New Haven, Conn. — 3. 'Richard, b. 1654, in Guilford,
Conn. — 4. •James, b. 1656, in Guilford, Conn., and d. there Dec. 12th, 1656. —
5. 'Samuel, b. Nov. 6th, 1657, in Guilford, Conn.— 6. 'Elizabeth, b. Nov. 16th,
1659, in Guilford, Conn. — 7. 'Ebenezer, b. in Guilford, Conn. — 8. 'Mary, b. in
Guilford, Conn., m. James Newton. — 9. 'Martha, b. in Fairfield Co., Conn.
M. a second wife (her surname is unknown ; her Christian name was probably
Esther or Elizabeth, for " E. H., 1688," is on her gravestone, in the ancient Strat-
field Burying Ground in Bridgeport, Conn.), and had issue: 10. 'Samuel, b. in
Fairfield Co., Conn. — 11. 'Abigail, b. in Fairfield Co., Conn. — 12. 'Sarah, b. in
Fairfield Co., Conn. — 13. 'James, b. in Fairfield Co., Conn. M. third, Mrs. Abi-
gail Walker (widow of Joseph Walker, of Stratford, Conn.), in 1688. She d. in
1717. Had issue: 14. 'Joseph, b. in Fairfield Co., Conn., and d. there in 1700.
See p. 44.— 15. 'John, b. April, 1691, in Fairfield Co., Conn. Dates of birth
and death of issue of Richard Hubbell the First, are from the records of the
respective towns. The names of his issue (except 4. James, b. 1656), are
from his will in this work.
Note. — The reader will please remember that the number preceding the name of each in-
dividual refers only to that individual, and that by this number the descendant can be traced either
to or from Richard Hubbell the First. The small figure denotes the generation to which the des-
cendant belongs, viz. : 1. »Richard Hubbell, 3. 'Richard Hubbell, 19. 'Peter Hubbell, 110. ^Silas
Hubbell, 347. *Tnunan Mallory Hubbell, 812. •William Wheeler Hubbell, 1728. "'Walter Hubbell.
The Abbreviations are as follows: b. for Born, bapt. for Baptized, m. for Married, d. for Died, Co.
for County, yr. for Year, mo. for Month, wk. for Week, dy. for Day, and p. for Page. The names
of States are also abbreviated.
26
242 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
Issue of Second Generation,
16 to 18.
2. 'John Hubbell,* of Stratford, Fairfield Co., Colony of Conn.,b. 1652, d.
1690. See p. 29. Son of 1. ^Richard, m. Patience, and had issue: 16. 'Margery,
b. 1681.— 17. 'Kichard, b. Jan. 25th, 1684.— 18. 'Josiah, b. 1688.
19 to 29.
3. 'Richard Hubbell, of Stratfield, Fairfield Co., Colony of Conn., b. 1654,
d. 1738. See p. 32, son of 1. *Richaid, m. Rebecca, daughter of Samuelf and Re-
becca Morehouse, Nov. 5th, 1685. She d. April 2d, 1692. Had issue: 19. 'Peter,
b. Aug, 10th, 1686.-20. 'Ebenezer, b. Sept. 19th, 1687.-21. 'Elizabeth, b. Oct.
23d, 1689, m. Nathan Beardsley. See records too late for classification. — 22.
'Jonathan, b. March 25th, 1692. Was ra. to second wife, Hannah Sillway (or Sill-
iman), of Maiden, Mass., Oct. 12th, 1692, by Major Nathan Gold. Had issue:
23. 'Zechariah, b. Aug. 25th, 1694, bapt. June 23d, 1695.-24. 'Richard, b. Oct.
20th, 1696, bapt. Oct. 2l8t, 1696.-25. 'Hannah, b. July 7th, 1698, bapt. July
10th, 1698.— 26. 'Eleazor, b. Aug. 15th, 1700, bapt. Aug. 18ih, 1700.— 27. 'Na-
thaniel, b. Aug. Uth, 1702, bapt. Aug. 16th, 1702.-28. 'Margery, b. Jan. 17th,
1704-5, bapt. Jan. 21st, 1704-5.— 29. ''Abigail, b. Sept. 19th, 1709, bapt. Sept.
23, 1709. For names of children and dates of their birth, see " Town Records,"
in Fairfield Town Clerk's Oftice, Fairfield, Fairfield Co., Conn.
SO to 40.
5. 'Samuel Hubbell, Sr., of Stratfield, Fairfield Co., Colony of Conn., b. Nov.
6th, 1657, d. Sept. 18th, 1713. See p. 38. Son of 1. ^Richard, m. first, Elizabeth
Wilson, April 4, 1687. She d. Jan. 4th, 1688. Had issue: 30. 'Benoni, b. Dec.
29th, 1687, d. Jan. 20th, Hi88. M. second, Temporeuce Preston, April I7th, 1688,
and had issue: 31. 'Elizabeth, b. Dec. 29th, 1688, d. Jan. 4th, 1688.— 32. 'Jchiol,
b. Jan. 27th, 1689, d. May 3, 1693.-33. 'Daniel, b. Aug. 8th, 1691.-34. 'Katha-
rine, b. March 11th, 1693, d. Dec. 19th, 1697.— 35. 'Ephraim, b. Oct. 11th, 1694.—
36. 'Stephen, b. Feb. 16th, 1695, bapt. Feb. 17th, 1695-6.— 37. 'David, b. July Ist,
1698, bapt. July 3d, 1698.— 38. 'Abiel, b. Jan. 15th, 1699, bapt. Jan. 21st, 1699, d.
March 3d, 1699.-39. 'Tabitha, b. Dec. 24th, 1700, bapU Dec. 29th, 1700, ra.
James Bennett, Jr.— 40. 'Joseph, b. Oct. 29th, 1702, bapt. Nov. Int, 1702. See
" Stratfield Society Book," in possession of Major William B. Hincks, Bridge-
port, Fairfield Co., Conn., for names, dates, etc.
41 to 46.
6. 'Elizabeth Hubbell, born 1659, daughter of 1. ^Richard, m. Joseph Frost,
of Maximix, lived in Fairfield Co., Conn. Had issue: 41. 'Joseph. — 42. 'Ellen. —
43. 'Abnor. — 44. 'Sarah. M. second, Samuel Hull, and had issue : 45. 'CorDelius. —
* His widow married Samuel Hawlej.
t Samuel Moreliou8«3 died in 1687, and is buri« d in the old cemftery in Fairfleldf Conn.
ISSUE OF SECOND GENERATION, 243
46. 'Josiah. See "Wills of Joseph Frost and Si\muel Hull," Fairfield Probate
Court, Fairfield, Fairfield Co., Conn., for names of issue.
47 to 48.
7. 'Ebenezer Hubbell, of New London, New London Co., Colony of Conn.,
d. 1698. See p. 43. Son of 1. ^Richard, m. Mary, daughter of Gabriel Harris,
and had issue: 47. 'Elizabeth, b. 1693.— 48. 'Ebenezer, b. 1695, d. 1720, without
issue. From " Caulkin's History of New London/' p. 338.
49 to 54.
9. *Martha Hubbell, daughter of 1 ^Richard, m. Captain John, son of Rev.
Samuel Wakeman, of Christ Church, Fairfield, Conn., April 24th, 1687, and lived
in Fairfield Co., Conn. Had issue : 49. 'Eleanor, b. Aug. 24th, 1689.— 50. 'Ann, b.
Mar. 24th, 1692.— 51. 'Samuel, b. Feb. 24th, 1693.— 52. 'Elizabeth, b. June 1st,
1695.— 53. 'Martha, b. Oct. 15th, 1702.— 54. 'John, b. Aug 29th, 1705. See
" Records of Christ Church," Fairfield, Conn.; also, Will of Captain John Wake-
man, recorded May 19th, 170-.
55 to 61.
10. "Samuel Hubbell, Jr., of Fairfield, Fairfield Co., Colony of Conn, (see p. 43),
son of 1 'Richard, m. Elizabeth, and renewed their covenant, May 16th, 1695, and
bad issue : 55. 'Hannah, bapt. May 19th, 1695.— 56. 'Nathan, bapt. Dec 3d, 1699,
d. Feb. 0th, 1761.-57. 'Eunice, bapt. Mar. 21st, 1703.— 58. 'Abigail, bapt. July
15th, 1705.-59. 'Olive, bapt. Fob. 15th, 1707-8, m. Joseph Bradley.— 60. 'David,
bapt. Sept. 2d, 1711, m. Martha.— 61. 'Samuel, bapt. May 30th, 1714. See Re-
cords of ** Congregational Church," Fairfield, Fairfield Co., Conn.
62 to 70.
11. 'Abigail Hubbell, daughter of 1 'Richard, m. Samuel French, and lived
in Fairfield Co., Conn. Had issue: 62. 'Samuel.— 63. 'Gamaliel.— 64. 'Deborah,
m. Weed.— 65. 'Martha.— 66. 'Sarah, m. Mullett.— 67. 'Ebenezor.— 68. 'Abigail,
m. Bennett.— 69. 'Elizabeth, m. Slater.— 70. 'Thankful, m. Taylor. See Will of
Samuel French, "Fairfield Probate Court," Fairfield, Fairfield Co., Conn.
71 to 75.
12. 'Sarah Hubbell, daughter of 1 ^Richard, m. Deacon Josiah, son of Wil-
liam Stevens, of Killingworth, June 25th, 1699. He was b. Dec. 8th, 1670, d.
May 15th, 1754. She died Dec. 17th, 1726. Hud issue; 71. 'Josiah, b. Mar.
25th, 1700.— 72. 'Daniel, b. Oct. 18th, 1701.— 73. 'Elnathan, b. April 13th, 1703,
d. Dec. 21t*t, 1774-6.— 74. 'Jerusha, b. Oct. 19th, 1704.-75. 'Nathaniel, b. 1710.
Deacon Josiah Stevens m. 2d Mercy Hoadley, July 11th, 1733, who d. Aug. 18th,
1639, and he m. 3d Ruth (?). This Record was furnished by Lewis H. Stein er,
M. D., of Guilford, Conn.
76 to 80.
13. 'James Hubbell, of Stratfield, Fairfield Co., Colony of Conn., b. 1673, d. Oct.,
1777, in New Milford, Conn, (see p. 43), son of 1 ^Richard, m. Patience. Had
244 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
issue: 76. 'Andrew, b. June 22d, 1706, bapt. June 23d, 1706, d. 1777.— 77. 'Abiah,
b. Aug. 11th, 1708, bapl. Sept., 1708.— 78. 'Sarah, b. Sept. 12th, 1711, bapt. April
6th, 1711.-79. 'Elnathan, b. Sept. 22d, 1717, bapt. Oct. 6th, 1717.— 80. 'Patience,
b. April 8th, 1722. See "Town Records," Stratford, Fairfield Co., Conn., and
"Stratfield Society Book," Bridgeport, Fairfield Co., Conn.
81 to 83.
15. 'John Hubbell, of Stratford, Fairfield Co., Colony of Conn., b. April,
1691, d. April 8th, 1774 (see p. 45), son of 1 ^Richard, m. Anne Welles, Nov. 6tb,
1711. Had issue: 81. 'Jerusha, bapt. June 14th, 1713. — 82. 'Benjamin, b. Jan.,
1717, bapt. Oct. 6th, 1717, d. Feb. 24th, 1793.— 83. 'John, who was shot and killed
by his brother, Benjamin, while deer hunting. This lamentable event is said to
have occurred during a violent snow storm, and in a dense wood, near the spot
now occupied by the First Presbyterian Church, in the City of Bridgeport,
Conn.
Issue of Third Generation,
84 to 91.
17. 'Richard Hubbell, of Stratford, Fairfield Co., Colony of Conn., b. Jan.
25th, 1684, d. Nov. 27th, 1758 (see p. 46), son of 2 *John, m. Abigail Thompson,
of Now Haven, Conn., Dec. 11th, 1707. Had issue: 84. *John, b. Feb. 20th,
1709.— 85. *Mary, bapt. April 3d, 1709.— 86. *Abigail,m. David Hurd.— 87. ♦Me-
hitabel, m. David Curtiss. — 88. *Hannah, bapt. Jan 12th, 1717, m. E. Smith. —
89. *Nathan, b. 1719, m. Patty Nichols, and d. Mar. 27th, 1788, no issue. — 90.
Timothy, b. 1720, d. Feb. 11th, 1740.-91. *William,who was accused of witchcraft.
92 to 99.
18. 'Josiah Hubbell, of Stratficld, Fairfield Co., Colony of Conn., b 1688, d.
1752 (see p. 48), son of 2 'John, m. Martha Uffoot, June 18th, 1713. Had issue:
92. *Samuel, b. Feb. 23d, 1715-16.-93. *Abiah, b. April 18th, 1718.— 94. ♦Eliza-
beth, m. Willcoxsen. — 95. *Hannah, m. Brindsmade. — 96. *John, b 1735 (?) (see
Records too late for classification). — 97. *Ebcnezer, b. 1726, m. Mary Brooks,
and d. 1812.— 98. *Josiah, b. 1736 (?).— 99. *Martha.
100 to 113.
19. 'Peter Hubbell, of Newtown, Fairfield Co., Colony of Conn., b. 1686. d.
1780 (see p. 49), son of 3*Richard, ni. 1st Katharine Wheeler, of Stratfield Par-
ish, Fairfield Co. Conn., Jan. 19th, 1709, in " Stratfield Parish;" she d. Mar. 16th,
1742, in her 49th year. Had issue: 100. *Ephraim, b. Dec. 21st, 1712, bapt.
April 13th, 1713.— 101. *Peter, b. April 15th, 1715.-102. *Ezra, b. Feb. 28tL,
1717.— 103. *Sarah, b. Feb. 27th, 1719, m. Bryan.— 104 ♦Jedediah, b. Aug. 22d,
1720.— 105. *Matthew, b. Sept. 4th, 1723 (see Abstracts from "Colonial Records,'
in Appendix).— 106. *Gideon, b. April 28th, 1726.-107. *Comfort, b. Xov. 10th.
1729.-108. ♦Katharine, b. July, 1732.— 109. 'Enoch, b. Aug. 10th, 1735.— 110
ISSUE OF THIRD GENERATION. 245
♦Silas, b. Feb. 24th, 1738 (about midni^rbt) ; M. 2d Sarah, who d. 1780. Had
issue: 111. *Rhoda, b. May 3l8t, 1745, d. Oct. 1746.— 112. *Mary, b. Nov. 21st,
1746, bapt. Nov. 23d, 1746, m. Beardslee.— 113. *Phebe, b. Dec. 2lst, 1748, bapt.
Dec. 25tb, 1748, d. Feb. Ist, 1756. See "Book of Births," in Newtown, Conn.
114 to 116.
20. 'Ebenezer Hubbell, of Weston, Fairfield Co., Colony of Conn., b. 1687,
d. Mar. 6th, 1761, buried in Easton, Conn., in the old cemetery, son of 3. *Eichard,
m. Sarah, she d. May 20th, 1788, aged 93 yrs., buried near husband. Had
issue: 114. *Ebenezer, b. 1723,d Mar. 21st, 1800, m. Lydia (?).— 115. *Jeremiah,
b. Feb. 22d, 1725, m. Abigail. — 116. *Abijah — (see records too late for classifica-
tion.)
117 to 128.
22. 'Jonathan Hubbell, of Newtown, Fairfield Co., Colony of Conn., b. 1692
d. Sept. 6th, 1766 (see p. 56), son of 3 'Richard, m. Peaceable Silliman,Nov. 18th
1713. Had issue: 117. *Daniel.— 118. *Ichabod, b. 1721.— 119. *Hichard 12o!
^Hannah, m. Samuel Weed. — 121. *Elizabeth, m. Benjamin Weed. — 122, Memima
m. Joseph Smith. — 123. ^Hephzibah, m. Daniel Weller. — 124. *Beulah. 125.
*Ithamar. — 126. *Kebecca, m. Samuel Turner. — 127. *Silliman. — 128. *Joptha.
See settlement of estate of Jonathan Hubbell, now on file in Danbury Probate
Court.
129 to 133.
23. 'Zechariah Hubbell, of Stratfield Parish, Town of Fairfield, Fairfield Co.
Colony of Conn., b. 1694, son of 3. "Richard, m. Abigail Bennett, Jan. 26th 1714.
Had issue: 129. *Phinea8, b. Oct. 30th, 1715.— 130. *Mehitabel, b. Aug.' 19th,
1717.— 131. *Hannah, b. Doc. 1720.— 132. *Lewis, bapt. Mar. 17th, 1733.— .133!
*Glorianna, bapt. Nov. 28th, 1736. See *« Stratfield Society Book," Bridgeport,
Fairfield Co , Conn.
134: to 141.
24. 'Richard Hubbell, of Stratfield Parish, Town of Fairfield, Fairfield Co.
Colony of Conn., b. 1696, d. June 26th, 1787 («ee p. 58), son of 3. 'Richard, m!
Penelope Fayerweather, Doc. 9th, 1725, she was b. 1704, d. Aug. 29th, 1791. Had
issue: 134. ^Benjamin, b. May 11th, 1726, d. Sept. 17th, 1788.— 135. *He2ekiah, b.
Feb. 24th, 1728.-136. *Christopher, b. July 6th, 1729.-137. ♦Penelope, b. July 22d,'
1732, bapt. July 30th, 1732.-138. *Grizzel, b. Aug. 12th, 1733, bapt. Oct. 20th, 1734,
m. Edward Burroughs.- 139. *Walter, bapt. Nov. 14th, 1736.— 140. *Richard, b.
1742.-141. *Amos, b. Dec. 3d, 1746. See 'Book of Births and Deaths,*' Town
Clerk's Office, Fairfield, Conn.
142 to 144.
26. 'Eleazer Hubbell, (Captain,) of Fairfield, Fairfield Co., Conn., b. 1700,
d. Sept.^ 3d, 1770 (see p. 60), son of 3. 'Richard, m. Abigail Burr, May 25th,
1727, she was b. Mar. 13th, 1701, d. Apr. 6th, 1780. Had issue: 142. *Mary, b.
246 HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAM/LV.
June 18th, 1736, in Willington, Conn.— 143. *Eleazer, b. Feb. 14th, 1739, in
Newtown, Conn. — 144. *Denni8, b. Feb. 5th, 1743, in New Fairfield, Conn., m.
Katharine.
14S to 152.
27. 'Nathaniel Hubbell, of Lebanon, Hunterdon Co., N. J., b. 1702, d. 1761
(see p. 62), son of 3. 'Richard, was m. to Esther Mix, of New Haven, Conn., Mar.
6, 1721-2, by Samuel Bishop, Justice of the Peace.* Had issue: 145. ^Abijah. —
146. *Ezekiah.— 147. ^Nathaniel, lived in Cape May Co., N. J., d. 1802.— 148.
*Asa, lived in Middlesex Co., N. J., d. 1783.— 149. *Lois.— 150. ^Esther.- 151.
*Mary.— 152. ^Susanna. M. 2d, Mrs. Elizabeth Marsh. Her Will was
admitted to probate Dec. 24th, 1779. She resided in Elizabeth, Essex Co., N.
J. See " Will of Mrs. Elizabeth Hubbell," State Department, Trenton, N. J.
153 to 161.
33. 'Daniel Hubbell, of Stratfield, Fairfield Co., Colony of Conn., b. 1691.
d. Dec. 11th, 1735 (see p. 63), son of 5. 'Samuel, m. Esther Beach, May 17th,
1716. Had issue: 153. *Mehitabel, b. Sept. 26th, 1717, d. Oct. 12th, 1717.—
154. *Hannah, b. Aug. 30th, 1718, d. Sept. 20th, 1718.— 155. *Mary, b. Jan. 13th,
1719.-156. *Tabitha, b. Oct. 22d, 1722.— 157. *Daniel, b. Aug. 22d, 1724, d.
Mar. 4th, 1801.-158. *Abiah, b. Mar, 22d, 1726.-159. *Abel, b. May 30th, 1728,
d. aged 103 yrs. 6 raos. and 26 dys.— 160. ♦Gershom, b. June 19th, 1729, d. Dec.
10th, 1729.-161. *Gideon, b. Nov. 18th, 1731, bapt. Nov. 21st, 1731, probably
married Anna (?), and d. in 1802. See " Stratfield Society Book," Bridgeport,
Fairfield Co., Conn.
162 to 170.
35. *Ephriam Hubbell, of Stratfield Parish, Fairfield Co., Colony of Conn., b.
1694, d.Nov. 4th, 1780, son of 5. *Samuel, m. Abigail Bradley, Oct. 17th, 1717, she
was b. July, 1695, d. Apr. 22d, 1772. Had issue : 162. *Samuel, b. Oct. 2d, 1718, d.
Sept. 4ih 1757.— 163. *Jehiel, b. Nov. 22d, 1719.-164. ^Katharine, b. Jan. 25th,
1722, d. Dec. 30th, 1760.— 165. *Ezbon, b. Aug. 15th, 1724. Lived in Kent,
Conn., m. 1st, Mary Bronson, Mar. 22d, 1797, she d. Feb. 19th, 1810, aged 49
yrs; m. 2d, Mrs. Ruth Saunders, Nov. 16th, 1814. His Will is dated May 1st,
1822.— 166. *Mehitabel, b. Oct 14th, 1726.-167. *Ephriam, b. Feb. 20th, 1728, d.
Oct. 15th, 1779.— 168. *Jedediah, b. July 16th, 1731.-169. ^Abigail, b. Sept.,
1735, bapt. Sept. 28th, 1735, d. Apr. 18th, 1788.-170. *Abijah, b. Feb. 1st, 1739.
See "Stratfield Society Book," Bridgeport, Fairfield Co., Conn.
171 to 174.
36. 'Stephen Hubbell, of Stratfield, Fairfield Co., Colony of Conn., b.
1695-6, d. April 20th, 1792 (see p. 66), son of 5. 'Samuel, m. Abigail Squire, Jan.
« Copied by J. J. S. Doherty, M.D., Registrar of Viul Statistics, Xew Haren, Conoectleat, and aeot to the
Author.
ISSUE OF THIRD GENERATION. 247
10th, 1720, she d. Oct. Ist, 1777, aged 84 yrs. Had issue; 171. *^ehemiah, b.
May 19th, 1722.— 172. *Jabez.— 173. ^Gershom, d. before his father. M.
2d, Rebecca. Had issue: 174. *Rebecca, bapt. July 4th, 1736, d. Nov. 9th,
1754. See " Stratfield Society Book," Bridgeport, Fairfield Co., Conn.
175 to 177.
37. 'David Hubbell, b. 1698, d. 1753, son of 5. 'Samuel, m. and had issue:
175. *David, bapt. Aug. 6th, 1732.— 176. ^Temperance, bapt. Mar. 3d, 1733.— 177.
*Seth, bapt. May, 1736.
178 and 179.
40. 'Joseph Hubbell, b. 1702, d. May, 1777, son of 5 'Samuel, m. Keziah (?).
Had issue : 178. *Keziah (?).— 179. ♦Onesiraus, bapt. July 30th, 1732, d. Dec,
1754.
180 to 191.
56. 'Nathan Hubbell, of Norwalk, Fairfield Co., Colony of Conn., b. 1699,
d. Feb. 6th, 1761 (see p. 67), son of 10 "Samuel, m. Martha Finch, Dec. 5th (or
30th), 1723,; she was b. Jan. 24th, 1701, and d. Dec. 1st, 1755. Had issue:
180. ^Elizabeth, b. Nov. 11th, 1724, m. Gilbert.— 181. *Thaddous, b. Mar. 12th,
1725.— 182. *Nathan, b. April 26th 1727.— 183. *Gershom, b. July 17th, 1729.—
184. *Martha, b. June 18th, 1731, m. Daniel Patchin on Aug. 9th, 1749.-185.
*Sarah, b. Dec. lOth, 1732, d. May 28lh, 1737.— 186. *John, b. Aug. 10th, 1734.—
187. ♦Abijah, b. May 13th, 1736, d. Sept., 1760.— 188. *Sarah, b. April 28th,
1738.-189. *Mary, b. April 14th, 1740, m. Bates.- 190. *Peter, b. April 10th,
1743.-191. ^Abraham, b. Jan. 26th, 1744. See »* Records of Congregational
Church,*' Greenfield, Fairfield, Conn.
192 to 196.
59. 'Olive Hubbell, b. 1707-8, daughter of 10 "Samuel, m. Joseph Bradley
June 20th, 1724* at his homestead, on the Aspetuck River, near Saugatuck,
Conn, (now Westport, 1881); d. 1774. Had issue: 192. *Nathan, settled
in Saugatuck, Conn. (Westport). — 193. *Ma88ini8sa, emigrated to Central New
York. — 194. *Benjamin, was a Tory, and d. in the Revolution. — 195. *Joseph, b.
Oct. 19th, 1746.-196. *Ruth, m. Treadwell, of Fairfield, Conn.
197 to 202.
60. 'David Hubbell, b. 1711, son of 10 'Samuel, m. Martha, and renewed the
covenant at Christ Church, Fairfield, Conn., Mar. 18th, 1739. Had issue: 197.
*Jabez, bapt. Mar. 18th, 1739, probably d. young. — 198. *Sarah, bapt. Mar. 18th,
1739.— 199. *Aaron, bapt. Dec, 1741.-200. *Bbenezer, bapt. Nov. 18th, 1744.—
201. *David, bapt. Nov. 20th, 1748.-202. *Jabez, bapt. Nov. 11th, 1753. Copied
from '* Records of Christ Chyrch," Fairfield, Conn., by Mrs. Elizabeth Hub-
bell Schenck, of Southport, Conn.
• " stratfield Parish Record." (?)
248 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
203 to 207.
61. 'Samuel Hubbell, of Stratford, Fairfield Co., Conn., b. 1714, d. 1784, son
of 10 »Samuel (?), m. Ist Elizabeth (?), who was b. 1724, and 2d Martha Booth,
in 1741 (?). Had issue : 203. *Saniuel, b. June 10th, 1754.— 204. ^Elizabeth, m. John
Uffoot, and d. 1800.— 205. ♦Sarah, m. Elisha De Forrest, and d. 1820.— 206. *Mar-
tha, in. Samuel Lampson, and d. 1823. — 207. ♦Eunice, m. Judson Burton, and d.
1727.
208 to 221.
73. *Elnathan Stevens, of Connecticut, b. 1703, d. 1774-6, son of 12»Sarah,
m. Mary Hull, Feb. 15th, 1727-8; she d. Feb. 6th, 1787. Had issue: 208.
•Mary, b. Nov. 3d, 1728. d. Dee. 9th, 1728.— 209. ♦Elnathan, b. Jan. 28th. 1730-1,
d. Feb. 28th, 1791.-210. ♦John, b. Jan. 8tb, 1731-32, d. Feb. 17th, 1731-32.—
211. ♦John, b. May 7th, 1733, d. Aug. 14th, 1752—212. ♦Hubbell, b. Mar. 23d,
1735.-213. ♦Osborne, b. Mar. 23d, 1735, d. Dec. 13th, 1819.-214. ♦fliel, b. Mar.
22d, 1737, d. Mar. 7th, 1784.— 215. ♦Jared, b. Feb. 8th, 1739, d. Mar. 14th, 1814.—
216. ♦Jonas, b. Jan. 6th, 1741, d. Feb. 22d, 1801.-217. ♦Mary, b. June 9th, 1743.
m. Joseph Bennett, of Weston, Conn., »nd d. April, 1827. — 218. ♦Martha, b. Mar.
20th, 1745, d. April 24tb, 1752.-219. ♦Lydia, b. May 4th, 1747, d. July 9lb,
1747.— 220. ♦Lydia, b. Juno 27th, 1748, m. Jonathan Bobbins, of Westerfield.—
221. ♦Jeremiah, b, Dec. 12th, 1751, d. May 30th, 1835. Record furnished by
Lewis H. Steiner, M. D., Guilford, Conn.
222 to 234.
76. 'Andrew Hubbell, of Stratford, Fairfield Co., Colony of Conn., b. 1706,
d. 1777 (see p. 68), son ot 13 'James, m. Sarah; she d. July 20th, 1736. Had
issue: 222. ♦Elijah, b. May 9lh, 1727.— 223. ♦Jerusha, b. May 19th, 1729, m. See-
ley.— 224. ♦Parnach, b. Jan. 22d, 1730.-225. ♦Hannah, b. Nov. 12th, 1732, bapt.
Nov. 26th, 1732, m. Beers, and d. before 1777.-226. ♦Sarah, b. Aug. 5th, 1734,
bapt. Sept. 8th, 1734. M. 2d Mary Welles, on Dec. 2d, 1736; she was b. in 1714.
Had issue: 227. ♦Gideon, b. Oct. 6th, 1737.-228. ♦James, b. Nov. 6th, 1738.—
220. ♦Andrew, b. Feb. 7th, 1740.— 230. ♦Sarah, b. Nov. 18th, 1741.— 231. ♦Mat-
thew, b. April 17th, 1745.-232. ♦Abiah, m. Woodcock.— 233. ♦Mary, m. North-
rup. — 234. ♦Rhoda, m. Bennett. See *' Stratford Town Becords."
23S to 244b.
79. 'Elnathan Hubbell, of Bennington, Bennington Co., Vt., b. 1717, d. July
21st, 1788 (see p. 70), son of 13 'James, m. Mehitable Sherwood,; she d. Sept^
1770, aged 51 years. Had issue: 235. ♦Elnathan, b. Jan. 26th, 1742, in Strat-
ford, Conn.— 236. ♦Bildad, m. Polly (?), perhaps before 1793.-237. ♦Almon (?).—
238. ♦Dewey (?).— 239. ♦Huldah, b. 1752, m. John SStewart, and d. Aug. 24th, 1747,
in Middlebury, Yt.— 240. ♦Aaron, b. Sept. 14th, 1757, in Stratford, Conn.— 241.
♦William i,?>--242. ♦Lemuel, b. Aug. 2d, 1755, in Stratford, Conn.— 243. ♦Cynthia
(?^ _244. ♦Experience (?;.— 244/f. ♦Almerin, lived in Bern, Otsego Cq., X. Y., in
ISSUE OF FOURTH GENERATION. 249
1809, and moved to Springfield, Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1811 (see Records too late
for classification). — 244b. *James (?).
24S and 246.
82. 'Benjamin Hubbell, of Fairfield, Fairfield Co., Conn., b. 1717, d. Feb.
24th, 1793, son of 15 *John, m. Mary Porter; she was b. July, 1721, and d. Aug.
29th, 1813. Had issue: 245. *John, b. Feb., 1745.— 246. *Anna, b. 1747, d. May
9th, 1770.
Issvs of Fourth Genei'cUion.
247 to 255.
84. *John Hubbell, of Stratford, Fairfield Co., Conn. (Huntington White
Hills), b. 1709, d. May 7th, 1782 (see p. 69), son of 17 'Richard, m. Hannah,
daughter of Robert Wheeler, of Stratford, Conn.; she was b. 1719, and d. Nov.
2d, 1797. Had issue: 247. "^Timothy, d. Jan 12th, 1808.— 248. ^Richard.— 249.
*Gideon.— 250. *John, b. 1751.— 251. ^Elisha.- 252. *Ann, m. Zachariah Bostwick,
of New Milford, Conn. — 253. ^Hannah, m. Samuel Patterson. — ^254. ^Abigail. —
255. *Sarah.
256 to 266.
85. *Mary Hubbell, daughter of 17. 'Richard, m. Daniel, son of Daniel
Shelton, Sr., of Ripton Parish, Stratford, Conn., Aug. 12th, 1727, in Old Strat-
ford, Conn., he was born July 21st, 1700, d. 1773, his Will was proved Aug. 2d,
1773. Had issue: 256. *John, b. July 18th, 1729, m. Mary Weakley.— 257.
'^Mary, bapt. Feb. 11th, 1733, m. Blackleach.— 258. "^Nathan, bapt. Jan. 26th,
1735, m. Abigail Weakley.- 259. '^Daniel, bapt. Apr. 22d, 1736, d. before 1773.—
260. *Abijah, bapt. Jan. 12th, 1738, m. Ruth Weakley.— 261. "^Sarah, bapt. Nov.
9th, 1739, m. Hawley.— 262. *Mehitabel, bapt. Feb. 8th, 1741, m. Shelton.— 263.
^Phebe, bapt. Oct. 27th, 1745, m. Nichols.— 264. *Mary, bapt. July 12th, 1747,
m. Curtiss. — 265. *Annah, m. Nichols. — 265. *Ebenezer.
267 to 269.
97. *Ebenezer Hubbell, of Stratford, Fairfield Co., Conn., b. 1726, d. 1812,
son of 18. 'Josiah, m. Mary, daughter of Benjamin Brooks, of Stratford, Conn.,
she was bapt Oct. 13th, 1723, d. Sept. 18th, 1790, aged 67 yrs. Had issue : 267.
^ilas. — 268. ^Lemuel, b. Jan. 31st, 1733, d. 18 yrs. and 3 mos. (froze to death.)
— 269. *Aner, m. Ebenezer Howe, d. Oct. 20th, 1803, aged 47 yrs. and 6 mos.
270 to 272.
98. ♦Josiah Hubbell, of " Old Mill Hill," (or Hubbell's Hill), Stratford,
Fairfield Co., Conn., b. 1736 (?), d. Aug. 26th, 1795 (?), son of 18. *Josiah, m. Ist,
Sarah Edwards, Apr. 30th, 1760, she d. Mar. 9th, 1790, agod 56 yrs. Had issue:
270. *Isaac, b. Aug. 22d, 176t.— 271. 'Charity, b. June 3d, 1766, m. 390. *Jool
Hubbell. — M. 2d, Katharine Curtiss. Had issue : 272. ^Curtiss, b. Mar. 10th,
1795.
27
250 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
273 to 283.
100. *Ephraim Hubbell, of Sherman, Fairfield Co., Conn., b. 1712, d. Dec.
17th, 1795, son of 19. 'Peter, m. to Johannah Gaylord, of New Milford, Conn.,
Dec. 25th, 1735, bj* Daniel Bowman (Pastor), in Newtown, Conn. (She died
May 17th, 1<81, aged 64 yrs.) (M. 2d, Alice Hatch) Had issue: 273.
•William Gaylord, b. Aug. Slst, 1736, in Newtown, Conn. — 274. 'Amos. — 275.
'Katharine, m. John Cowdry, d. Sept. 9th, 1806, aged 57 yrs. — 276. 'Marcia, m.
Major Isaac Talman, and d. May 14th, 1779, aged 25 yrs. See records, too late for
classification. — 277. *Phebe, m. John H. Baell. — 278. 'Ephriam, m. Sarah. — 279.
'Nathan Chauncey, d. Jane 6th, 1770, aged 27 yrs. — 280. 'Shadruch. See records
too late for classification.— 281. 'Gideon.— 282. 'Dennis.— 283. 'Levi, d. Deo.
12th, 1773, aged 26 yrs. Ephriam Hubbell, (b. 1712,) was the first deacon of the
First Congregational Church, in Sherman, Conn. His Will was dated Mar.
23d, 1787, (see New MiHord Conn. Probate Records, Vol. II. p. 26H,) and was ad-
mitted to probate in Apr. 1796. He left an estate valued at £2,952.10.0.
284 to 293.
101. *Peter Hubbell,* of Newtown, Fairfield Co., Conn. (Lived in New
Milford, Cunn., after 1760, and probabl}' died there.) b. 1715, son of 19. 'Peter,
m. Hephzibah Had issue: 284. 'Sarah, b. July 27th, 1738.— 285. »Shadrach, b.
July 22(1, 1740.— 286. 'Clement, b. Sept. 21st, 1742, d. Aug. 12th, 1743.— 287.
'John, b. June 10th, 1746.— 288. 'Hephzibah, b. Jan. 23d, 1748, bapt. Apr. 9th,
1748.— 289. 'Clement, b. June 3d, 1752, bapt. July 26th, 1752.-290. 'Patience,
b. Apr. nth, 1757.— 291. 'Peter, b. May Ist, 1760.— 292. 'Nameless.- 293.
'Nameless.
294.
102. *Ezra Hubbell, of Newtown, Faii-field Co., Conn. (Was a Captain),
b. 1717, son of 19. *Peter, m. and had issue: 294. 'Katharine.
295 to 303.
104. *Jedodiah Hubbell, of Lanesborough, Berkshire Co., Mass., b. 1720, d.
1819 (see p. 71), son of 19. 'Peter, m. Abigail Northrup, in Newtown, Conn., on
Aug. 20th, 1748. Had issue: 295. 'David, b. in Newtown, Conn.— 296. 'Lewis,
b. in Newton, Conn., who was a Loyalist and lived in Canada during the Revolu-
tion.— 297. 'Betsey, m. a British oflScer and settled in Williamstown, Mas^. (?) —
298. 'Abigail, b. in Wood bur}'. Conn., m. Toucey, of Lanesborough, Mass. See
records too late for classification. M. 2d, Susannah Hickok, of Pittsfield.
Mass., Oct. 18th, 1759. Had iesue: 299. 'Mary, b. in Woodbury, Conn., m.
Dor win. See records too late for classification. — 300. 'Freelove, b. in Wood-
bury, Conn., m. Samuel Graves, of Conn. — 301. 'Anna, b. in Woodbury, Conn.,
• It iM supposed that 101 Peter Hubbell's cbildren, or home of theui, wen- liorn io Newton, or Newtovn, Tol-
land (oiiiif y, Cuniiecticut, but I have not found u luwn so called.
ISSUE OF FOURTH GENERATION, 251
d. young. — 302. ^Benjamin, b. in Woodbury, Conn., wbo was living in Canada
when the Revolution commenced. He refused to take the oath of allegiance to
the Crown. Returned to the colonies after his property had been confiscated,
and settled in Vermont. — 303. *Hickok, b. 1761, in Woodbury, Conn. M.
3d, Miss Mary Hulbert, of Woodbury, Conn., who d. aged 75 yrs. M.
4th, Miss Eunice Johnson, of Middletown, Conn., Nov. 20th, 1782, she died in
1806, aged 75 yrs. M. 5th, Mrs. Chloe Beraen, of Wothersfield, Conn.,
who d. in 1821, aged 85 yrs. He ra. his fifth wife when 87 yrs. of age, and
lived with her twelve years, dying aged 99 yrs.
304 to 310.
105. *Mtttthew Hubbell, of Lanesborough, Berkshire Co., Mass., moved
there from Woodbury, Conn., about 1770, b. 1723, son of 19. 'Peter, m. Abigail
Hawley,* Dec. 6th, 1743. Had issue : 304. *Ann, bapt. Sept. 18th, 1744, in New-
town, Conn. — 305. *Annah, bapt. Dec. 28th, 1746, in Newtown, Conn. — 306.
*Silas. Supposed to have died in the Revolution. — 307. ^Wolcott, b. 1754, in
Woodbury, Conn.— 308. ^Matthew, b. 1762.— 309. *Sarah.— 310. *Calvin. b. Oct.
29th, 1764.
311 to 321.
107. *Comfort Hubbell, of Newtown, Fairfield Co., Conn., b. 1729, d. 1797
(see p. 75), son of 19. 'Peter, m. Susannah Baxton, Apr. 4th, 1774, she d.
Apr. 8th, 1775, in South Britain, Conn .; was probably his second wife. Was m.
to Susannah Baxter, Sept. 18th, 1783. Had issue: 311. •Mansfield.— 312. *Bph-
raim, b. 1776.— 313. ^Comfort, b. 1785.— 314. *Aner, m. Isaac Hatch.— 315*
*Nancy, m. Sylvanus Stuart.— 316. *Vernon, b. 1788.-317. *Ruth.— 318. *Levi
Cogswell, b. 1774, d. Feb. 23d, 1798.— 319. *Lewis.— 320. *John.— 321. *Anson.
322 to 328.
108. ^Katharine Hubbell. b. 1732, daughter of 19. 'Peter, m. William Birch,
Sept. 27th, 1750, in Newtown, Conn. Had issue: 322. *Ezra, b. June 28th,
1751.— 323. *Nehemiah, b. Feb. 11th, 1753.— 324. *Sarah, b. Oct. 13th, 1755.—
325. 'Delight, b. Nov. 14th, 1759.— 326. 'Katharine, b. Aug. 11th, 1762.— 327.
'William, b. Oct. 16th, 1766.— 328. 'Lamson, b. Oct. 15th, 1771. All born in
Newtown, Conn.
329 to 339.
109. *Enoch Hubbell, of Newtown, Fairfield Co., Conn., b. 1735, d. Oct. Sd^
1827, at Hubbell Hill, Delaware Co., N. Y., son of 19. 'Peter, m. Sarah. Had
issue : 329. 'David, bapt. Mar. 23d, 1755. See Records too late for classification.
—330. 'Mercy, bapt. Oct. 9th, 1760.— 331. 'Khoda, bapt. July 4th, 1762.— 332*
'Ezra, bapt. July 4th, 1762.— 333. 'Nathan, bapt. Juno 17th, 1764.-334. 'Molly,
bapt. July 13th, 1766.— 335. 'Jeptha, bapt. Feb. 3d, 1767.— 336. 'Joseph, b. 1768.
• Perhaps Abinh Hawley.
252 HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY,
(No record of his baptism.) — 337. *Loveland, bapt. April 8th, 1770. — 338. *Sarah,
bapt. June Uth, 1772. — 339. *Matthew, bapt. Aug. Slst, 1774. All born in New-
town, Conn. Copied from Xewtown Records.
340 to 348.
110. *Sila8 Hubbell, of Montgomery, Hampden Co., Mass., b. 1738, d. Aug.
27th, 1805, in Norwich, Mass. (see p. 79), son of 19. 'Peter, m. 1st, Elizabeth
Edmond, June 16th, 1763, in Southbury, Conn., she died July 7th, 1783, in her
41st ^T. Had issue : 340. 'Elizabeth, m. Lemuel Mallory, and lived at Par-
tridge Island, Hancock Towship, N. Y., afterwards moved to Indiana. — 340a.
Prudence, m. Truman Mallory. — 341. Olive, m. Lindsey, of Mass. — 342. Eph-
raim, bapt. in South Britain, Conn., Sept. 2d, 1770, d. young. — 343. Silas;
b. in Newt<jwn, Conn., Feb. 22d, 1722, bapt. April 12, 1772.— 344. George Wash-
ington, b. June 11th, 1775. — 345. Edmond, b. 1779. See Records too late for
classification. M. 2d, Mrs. Hannah Wheeler, widow (nee French) in 1785,
she was sister (or neice) of William French, of Massachusetts, a Revolutionary
hero who died in Dnadilla, N. Y., aged 104 years, she died 1797-8, in Unadilla,
N. Y., and is buried there, on the Susquehanna river. — 346. Wheeler. — 347.
Truman Mallory, b. Sept. 19th, 1788, in Montgomery, Hampden Co., Mass. — 348.
Richard A., d. in Deposit, Delaware Co., N. Y., before 1850. Mrs. Hannah
(Wheeler) Hubbell had six children by her husband, Wheeler. Their names
were : Ebenezer, James, William, Joseph, John, and Hannah Wheeler. (Hannah
Wheeler m. Daniel Gates.) It is probable that they were all bom in Mass.
Several of them settled in Delaware Co., N. Y., where they were engaged
largely in the lumber trade. Someof their descendants arc now (1881) residing
in Deposit, Delaware Co., N. Y.
349.
114. *Ebenezer Hubbell, of Weston, Fairfield Co., Conn., b. 1723, d. Mar.
21st, 1800, is buried in Tashua District, town of Trumbull, Conn., son of 20.
•Ebenezer, m. Lydia (?). Had issue : 349. *Seth, who m. Ist, Lois Jackson, and
m. 2d, Mrs. Lucy (Beardslee) Hubbell, widow of 249. *Gidoon Hubbell.
350 14> 357.
115. Moremiah Hubbell, of Monroe, Fairfield Co., Conn., b. 1725, d. Feb. 9th,
1801, son of 20. *Ebenezer, m. Abigail Wakelee, Dec. 13th, 1750, she was b.
April Uth, 1725, d. Jan. 27th, 1890. Had issue : 350. ^Jeremiah, b. Oct. 1751, d.
April nth, 1777.— 351. ^Patience, b. June 9th, 1753, d. June 30th, 1753.— 352.
*Kathan, b. Aug. 10th, 1755.— 353. ^Benjamin, b. April Uth, 1759, d. Dec. 12th,
1770.— 354. ^Ebenezer, b. Jan. 29th, 1763, d. Aug. 15th, 1767.— 355. *Abigail, b.
Nov. 19th, 1764, m. Samuel Hall.— 356. »Sarah, b. June 22d, 1770.— 357. *Benja-
min Ebenezer, b. Nov. 25th, 1772.
358.
118. ^Ichabod Hubbell, of Newtown, Fairfield Co., Conn., t?. 1721, d. May
23d, l^^OS, son of 22. ^Jonathan, m. and had issue: 358. 'Rebecca, bapt. Aug. 3d,
1747.
ISSUE OF FOURTH GENERATION. 253
369 to 362.
119. ^Richard Hubbell, of Waterbury, New Haven Co., Conn., d. 1777, sod
of 22. 'Jonathan, m. Jedidah Skidmur, Nov. 30th, 1749, in Newtown, Conn.
Had issue: 359. *Darius, b. .Oct. 7th, 1750, in Nowtown, Conn. — 360. *A»her,
b. Sept. 20th, 1752, in Nowtown, Conn. — 361. ^Eunice.— 362. ^Patience, m.
Blen.
363 to 366.
124. ^Beulah Hubbell, daughter of 22. 'Jonathan, m. 1st, Lieutenant John
Griffin, of Newtown, Conn., Dec. 18th, 1754, he d. May 5th, 1777. Had issue :
363. ^Amoa, b. Aug. I2th, 1755, in Newtown, Conn., m. Susanna Foote, d. July
12th, 1791.— 364. '^floth, b. Nov. 8th, 1758, in Newtown, Conn.— 365. *Sebell, b.
May 25th, 1762, in Newtown, Conn., d. Dec. 4th, 1762.— 366. 'Samuel, b. 1765, d.
Feb. 11th, 1791. M. 2d, Enoch Lacy, of New York.
367 to 369.
127. Silliman Hubbell, of Newtown, Fairfield Co., Conn., d. Mar. 18th, 1765
in Newtown, Conn., son of 22. Jonathan, m. Ellen Wood, Dec. 8th, 1760. Had
issue: 367. *Ann, b. May 23d, 1761, bapt. July 26th, 1761.-368. 'Lemuel, b.
May 2, 1763, bapt. June 4th, 1763. Probably died in Newtown, Conn., in 1783.
—369. 'Silliman, b. Nov. 1st, 1765.
370 to 380.
128. *Jeptha Hubbell, of Newtown, Fairfield Co., Conn. Was a soldier in
the French war, also in the Revolution ; d. in 1794, son of 22. 'Jonathan, m.
Experience Prindle, May 30th, 1757. Had issue : 370. 'Peaceable, l?apt. Dec.
18th, 1757. — 371. *Ammon, bapt. Oct. 14th, 1759. Was in the British array
under Colonel Ludlow ; settled in New Brunswick in 1783, and died at Burton,
in that Province in 1848. It is said he left descendants. (See *' Royalists of the
American Revolution." Vol. I, p. 552.)— 372. 'Sarah, bapt. April 3d, 1763, m.
Eleazer Starr. 373. 'Nathan, bapt. April 12th, 1765.— 374. 'Silliman, b. 1764,
bapt. Aug. 4th, 1765.— 375. 'Andrew, b. Dec. 25th, 1779.— 376. 'Anna.— 377.
'Prindle, settled in Detroit, Mich., in 1780. — 379. 'Susanna, m. John Lake. — 379.
'Polly, ra. Hoyt Dibble. — 380. 'Hephzibah, m. Beers Sherman.
381 to 388.
135. *Hezekiah Hubbell, of Fairfield, Fairfield Co., Conn., b. 1728, d. July
19th, 1784 (see p. 72), son of 24. 'Richard, m. Anne, daughter of William Pat-
terson, May 14th, 1752. Had issue: 381. 'Anne, b. Mar. 6th, 1753.— 382. 'Wil-
liam, b. July 24th, 1755, m. Margaretta Gano, no issue, d. in Kentucky, in 1830
(see p. 85). — 383 'Asa, b. Jan. 9th, 1757, m. Mary (or Miriam), and was drowned
in the Hudson river, July 5th, 1801. See Records too late for classification.
—384. 'Ezra, lost at sea in Jan. 1805.-385. 'Aaron, b. 1761, d. Oct. 13th, 1848.—
386. 'Parthenia, m. Thomas Hubbell— 387 , 'Hozekiah.— 388. 'Charity.
254 HISTORY OF THE HUBBELL FAMILY.
389 to 392.
139. * Walter Hubbell, of Stratfield, Fairfield Co.. Colony of Conn., b. 173G (see
p. 77), rton of 24. 'Richard, m. Ruth. Had issue : 389. *Josiah. — 390. *Joel, who m.
271. 'Charity Hubbell.— 391. 'Walter.— 392. 'David, d. 1777, buried in the ancient
Stratfield burning ground, Bridgeport, Conn.
393 to 398.
140. *Richard Hubbell, of Newfield (Bridgeport), Conn., b. 1712, d. July
16th, 1829, in New York City (see p. 81), son of 24. 'Richard, m. Roxanna
Burritt, sister of Elijah Burritt, she was b. in 1745, d. Dec. 28th, 1805. Had
issue: 393. 'Richard, lost at sea, in 1811.— 394. 'Philo, bapt. April, 1770, d. 1798,
in New York.— 395. 'Eli. 396. 'Pamela, m. Captain Robert William Wetmore.
—397. 'Polly, m. Asa Hurd, of Old Mill Hill, Stratford, Conn.— 398. 'Penelope,
d. Feb. 2l8t, 1864, aged 92 years.
399 to 405.
141. *Amo8 Hubbell, of Newfield (Bridgeport), Fairfield Co., Conn., b. 1746, d.
July 2d, 1801, in Bridgeport, Conn, (see p. 81), son of 24. 'Richard, m. Ist, Catharine
Wilson,* Jan. 4th, 1770, she was b. Feb. 6th, 1751, d. Jan. 4th, 1776. Had issue : 399.
'Amos, b. Oct. 2d, 1770, d. Sept. lOth, 1777.— 400. 'Wilson, h. April 7th, 1773, d.
April 5th, 1799. — iOl. Catharine, b. Dec. 27th, 1775, m. 512. 'Ezekicl Hubbell,
on Jan. 17th, 1796. M. 2d, 487. 'Eleanor Hubbell, on Dec. 17th, 1776 (she was
b. June 3d, 1755, d. Feb. 11th, 1833). Had issue : 402. 'Amos, b. May 12th, 1780,
d. Oct. 15th, 1798, of yellow fever, in Havanna, Cuba, is buried there in a church
yard. — 403. 'Eleanor, b. June 12ih, 17«4, d. Mar. 22d, 1786. — 404. 'Anson,
b. Feb. 8th, 1787, d. Sept. 10th, 1819.— 405. 'Charles Benjamin, b. Mar. 20th
1789.
406 to 415.
143. *Elcazer Hubbell, of Jericho, Chittenden Co., Vt., b. 1739, d. April 14th,
1810, in Jericho, Vt., son of 26. 'Eleazer, m. Anna Noble, Jan. 30th, 1765, she
was b. July 27th, 1749, in New Fairfield, Conn., d. June 8th, 1818. Had issue :
406. 'Abigail, b. Aug. 6th, 1766, m. Pownal Deming, of Wethersfield, Conn., in
Feb., 1784. — 407. 'Lyman, b. Sept. 9th, 1768, in New Fairfield, Conn., d. Feb.
19th, 1859.— 408. 'Mary, b. June 12th, 1770, m. 1st, Hubbard Barlow, on Jan. 10th,
1788, m. 2d, Bushnell B. Downs, m. 3d, Colonel Joshua Danforth, of Pittsfield,
Berkshire Co., Mass., Feb. 11th, 1823. She d. in Shelby, N. Y., on July 4th.
1850, no children.— 409. 'Mercy, b. Mar. 20th, 1772, d. Nov. 23d, 1772.-410.
'Mercy, b. Nov. 3d, 1773, m. James Addison Potter, in Dec, 1790. — 111. 'Anna,
b. June, 1776, m. William Cicero Potter, July 20th, 1794.— 412. 'Lucrctia, b.
Mar. 5th, 1779, d. Oct. 28th, 1796, in Pittsford (Yt., ?).— 413. 'Kleazer Burr, b
Sept. 3(1, 1781, m. Ruth Brown, d. in Washington, Ohio, in 1819. — 114. 'l^rastus
Doming, b. Nov. 30ih, 17S4. — 115. 'Laura Abby, b. July 4th, 1793, m. Joseph
Waierman, of Johnstown, Vt., and d. Mar 31, 1858.
ISSUE OF FOURTH GENERATION. 255
416.
144. *Denni8 Hubbell, of Fairfield Co., Conn., b. 1743, in New Fairfield,
Coniv, son of 26. 'Eleazer, m. Katharine. Had issue : 416. 'Amos (?).
{417.)
147. ^Nathaniel Hubbell, of Cape May Co., N. J., d. in 1802, son of 27. 'Na-
thaniel, probably m. Dorcas, May Ist, 1799. ** Nathaniel Hubbell was married to
Dorcas, on May Ist, 1799, by Parmenas Corson, Justice of the Peace." Recorded
in Book A, Marriages, p. 17, County Clerk's office. Cape May Court House, N. J.
I fail to find record of issue from this marriage, and am not positive that the
Nathaniel Hubbell who married Dorcas, as above recorded, was the son of " 27.
'Nathaniel." It is possible that he was the grandson of " 27. 'Nathaniel," and
son of 147. *Nathaniel or 148. *Astt. Letters of Administration were granted
Feb. 3d, 1802, to Nathaniel Holmes, on the estate of Nathaniel Hubbell, late
of Cape May Co., N. J. (See Record in Secretary of State's Office, Trenton,
N.J.)
417 to 423.
148. *Asa Hubbell,* of Woodbridge Township, Middlesex Co., N. J., d. 1783,
son of 27. 'Nathaniel, m. Anna Bloomfield. Had issue: 417. ^Nathaniel (a sea
captain).— 418. 'Robert.— 419. 'Hczekiah.— 420. 'Asa.-421. 'Hester, m. Williams,
and lived near Cincinnati, Ohio. — 422. 'Mary. — 423. 'Thomas (?).
424 to 427.
157. *Daniel Hubbell, of Stratfield (Parish), Fairfield, Conn., b. 1724, d.
Mar. 4th, 1801, son of 33. 'Daniel, m. Sarah Gregory, Dec. 28th, 1749, she was b.
1728, d. April 4th, 1801. Had issue: 424. 'Daniel, bapt. Nov. 25th, 1750, m.
Anne, d. Jan. 12th, 1778 (see p. 83). — 425. 'Onesimus, bapt. Nov. 16th, 1755, d
Sept. 11th, 1824.— 426. 'Rebecca, b. 1757, d. May 8th, 1796.— 427. 'Thaddeus.
428.
159. *Abel Hubbell, of Fairfield Co., Conn., b. 1728, d. Jan. 6th, 1832, aged 103
yrs. 6 mos. 26 dys., son of 33. 'Daniel, m. Ist, Martha. Had issue: 428. 'Eunice,
bapt. Nov. 12th, 1750. M. 2d, Sarrah, who d. 1842, aged 81 yrs.- He was " born,
bred, lived, and died " in Fairfield Co., Conn. The date of his death is from a
Bible in the possession of Mra. Ezra Stevens, of New Fairfield, Conn., and can
also be seen on his gravestone in the ancient Stratfield burying-ground, Bridge-
port, Conn.
42^ to 436.
162. *Samnel Hubbell, of Fairfield, Fairfield Co., Conn., b. 1718, d. Sept. 4th,
1757, son of 35. 'Ephniira. m. Abigail, who was bapt. Oct. 4th, 1741, d. in 1782.
* Letters of Administration wen; granted to Henry Marsh, May 14tb, 1783, on the estate of Asa HiiMh'II, late
of the County of Middlesex, New Jersey. See Record in Secretary of State's Office, Trenton, New Jersey.
256 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
Had issue: 429. 'Isaac, bapt. Oct. 4th, 1741.— 430. '^Mary, bapt. Oct. 4th, 1741.—
431. nVilliam, bapt. July, 1743.— 432. 'Grace, bapt. Mar. 24th, 1745.— 433.
^Samuel, bapt. June 10th, 1750. Probably was committed to the Old Mill Prison,
England, from the brig ** Lexington," which was taken on Sept. 19th, 1777, and
the crew committed to prison the same year. He did not escape with his ship-
mates, and probably died a prisoner. — 434. 'Elizabeth, bapt. Oct. 12th, 1752.—
435. 'Grizzel, bapt. July 7th, 1754.— 436. 'Abigail, bapt. Dec. 12th, 1756.
4311 and 437a.
163. *Jehiel Hubbell, of Greenwich, Fairfield Co., Conn., b. 1719, aon of 35.
'Rphraim, m. Elizabeth Socket t, granddaughter of Eev. Richard Socket t, of Green-
wich, Conn. Had issue: 437. 'Elizabeth, b. Feb., 1747, in Stratfield (Parish),
Faii"field, Conn. — 437a. 'Mary (?), m. James Knapp. See Records too late for
cl assification.
438 to 444.
168. *Jedediah Hubbell, of Newburgh, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, b. 1731, in Fair-
field, Conn., d. June 11th, 1813, in Cleveland, Ohio, son of 35. *Ephraim, m., by Rev.
Cyrus Marsh, to Lucy ^oble, Dec. 25th, 1754, she died May 26th, 1813. Had
issue: 438. 'Annis, b. Jan. 31st, 1758.— 439. 'Samuel, b. Aug. 12th, 1760.— 440.
'Sarah, b. July 14th, 1762.-141. 'Abigail, b. June 26th, 1764.— 442, 'Ephraim,
b. April 27th, 1767.— 443. 'Lucy, b. Mar. 19tli, 177u, d. Mar. 19th, 1779.— 444.
'Jcdediah, b. Dec. 3d, 1773, all born in Litchfield Co., Conn. Jedediah HubbeU
and famil}' moved from Kent, Conn., to Moncton, Vt., and in 1811, with his sons
Ephraim and Jedediah, to Newburgh, Ohio (now, 1881, Cleveland).
44S to 453.
170. *Abijah Hubbell, of Kent, Litchfield Co.,Conn.,b. 1739,d.Nov. 19th, 1819,
son of 35. *Ephraim, m. Fear Sturdevant, Feb. 4th, 1768, she was b. Dec. 17th, 1745.
Had issue: 445. 'Alice, b. Mar. 30th, 1769.— 446. 'Dennis, b. Feb. 25th, 1772.—
447. 'Bradley, b. Oct. 28th, 1774.— 448. 'Cushman, b. Jan. 24th, 1778.— 449.
'Abigail, b. Jan. 31st, 1780.— 450. 'Mareia(or Nancy), b. Mar. 22d, 1782.— 451.
'Ephraim, b. Nov. 29th, 1784.— 452. 'Abijah, b. Aug. 27th, 1786.— 453. 'Lucy, b.
May 20th, 1789.
4S4 to 464.
171. *Nehemiah Hubbell, of Weston, Fairfield Co., Conn., b. 1722, (d. before
his father), son of 36. 'Stephen, m. Hannah Treadwell. Had issue: 454,
'Stephen, b. 1745.— 455. 'Nathaniel, b. 1747, m. Sarah Burton.— 456. 'Abigail,
bapt. Oct. 7th, 1750, m. Stephen Tyrrell. — 457. 'Hannah.— 458. 'David, b. 1752.
459. 'Isaac, b. 1755, was captured by the Indians, d. May 5th, 1842. — 460.
'Huldnh, b. 1757. — 461. 'Kebecea, bapt. May 11th, 1755, ra. Ebenezer Fenton.—
4t>2. ^Billy, b. 1759.— 463. 'Nehemiah, b. April 7th, 1764.— 464. 'Kacbel, m.
Enoch Jennings.
ISSUE OF FOURTH GENERATION. 257
465 to 468.
172. *Jabez Hubbell, of Fairfield, Fairfield Co., Conn., son of 36. 'Stephen,
m. Ist, Sarah Seeley, June 28tb, 1750, she was born in 1732, d. Jan. 12th, 1754.
M. 2d, Sarah. Had issue: 465. ^Clarissa, b. April 2l8t, 1767, m. Felix Bene-
dict, d. July 9th, 1848.— 466. *Abiah, bapt. May 20th, 1770.— 467. *Sarah, d.
Juno 27th, 1770. (Perhaps this daughter was by his first wife, Sarah Seeley.)
M. 3d, Abigail Gray, Dec. 28th, 1775, and had issue. — 468. ^Abigail, bapt. Nov.
5th, 1777.
469 to 476.
173. *Gershom Hubbell,* of Fairfield Co., Conn. See "Abstracts from
Colonial Records of Conn.," in Appendix. Son of 36. 'Stephen, m. and had issue ;
469. *Lois, bapt. April 24th, 1754.— 470. ^Benjamin.— 471. *Ezbon, b. 1757, d. 1820.
—472. *Eno8.— 473. *Bphraim.— 474. 'Abigail.— 475. 'Richard, b. July 4th, 1766.
—476. 'Gershom, b. July 4th, 1766.
477 to 486.
181. *Thaddeu8 Hubbell, of Nor walk, Wilton Parish, Faii-field Co., Conn.,
b. 1725, d. Apr. 8th, 1806, son of 56. 'Nathan, m. Ruth Betts, Dec. 25th, 1753, she
wash, in 1738, d. May 16th, 1773. Had issue: 477. 'Salmon, bapt. Dec. 22d,
1754.— 478. 'Zadok, bapt. Dec. 12th, 1756, d. Feb. Ist, 1813.— 479. 'Nathan.—
480. 'Seth, bapt. Oct. 7th, 1759, m. 1st, Elizabeth Guise, Aug. 27th, 1779, settled
in Wolcott, Vt. She d. 1805, aged 45 yrs., ra. 2d, Salome Bennett, b. in Wilton
Parish, Conn., Feb. 17th, 1780, d. Apr. 3d, 1872, aged 92 yrs., he d. in 1832. A
narrative of his sufferings was published in Danville, Vt., in 1829. — 481. 'Isaac,
bapt. Oct. 3d, 1762.— 482. 'Ezekiel, d. without issue.— 483. 'Glorianna, bapt.
Feb. 16th, 1766.— 484. 'Thaddeus, b. May 4th, 1768, d. Oct. 3d, 1837 485.
*EIisha. M. 2d, Mrs. Phebe Squire, Nov. 24th, 1774. Had issue : 486. 'Sears,
bapt. Sept. 7th, 1777.
487 to 492.
182. ^Nathan Hubbell, of Norwalk, Wilton Parish, Fairfield Co., Conn., b.
1727. d. 1801 (see p. 71), son of 56. 'Nathan, m. Ann Wakeman, Aug. 2d, 1753.
Had issue : 487. 'Eleanor, b. June 3d, 1755, bapt. June 15th, 1755, m. 141. ♦Amos
Hubbell.— 488. ^arah, b. May 24th, 1757, bapt. July 3d, 1757, m. Ezra Gregory.
—489. 'Wakeman, b. June 23d, 1762, bapt. July 18th, 1762, m. Naomi. lived in
Stratford, Conn., and d. in 1797. — 490. 'Nathan, b. Aug. 2d, 1764, bapt. Aug. 5th,
1764.— 491. 'Stephen, b. Sept. 6th, 1766.— 492. 'Ann, b. July 17th, 1770, bapt.
July 26th, 1770, m. Jehiol Keeler.
* It ia a tradiUon amoog the deacendanta of Richard and Genhom Hubbell (twins), born July 4th, 1766, that
their father's name was Benjamin, and that he was a sea captain during the ReroluUonary War; was captur«d by
the British, and died of starration while confined in the old " Sugar House," or " Old Mill," prison, in or uear New
York City. As no record of a Bei^Jamln Hubbell who had sons named Richard and Gershom can be found, I think
I am Justified In placing them as the sons of Captain Gershom Hubbell, of Fairfield County, Connecticut, because he
left minor sons called Richard and Gershom Hubbell, for whom a guardian was appointed. A record of this ap-
pointment is on file in the Probate Court, at Danbury, Connecticut.
28
258 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
403 to 306.
183. *Gerehom Hubbell, of Greenfield, Fairfield Co., Cono., b. 1729, d. Apr.
14tb, 1802 r?). See p. 73, son of 56. 'Nathan, m. 1st, Mary Bradley, May 2d, 1754,
she was b. June 2l8t, 1733, d. Feb. 23d, 1756 (?). Had issue : 493. *Mary, b. July
10th, 1755, d. Dec. 27th, 1755, M. 2d, Sarah Wakeman, Nov. 12th, 1756, who d.
Jan. 18th, 1769 (?). Had issue: 494. *Mary, b. Aug. 15th, 1757, m. 478. *Zad<*
Hubbell.— 495. ^Elizabeth, b. Mar. lOlh, 1759.— 496. *Abijah, b. Feb. 27th, 1761.
—497. *Ger8hom, b. Mar. 17th, 1763, d. Jan. 3d, 1782.— 498. *Sarab, b. Apr. 11th,
1765, m. Kellogf5, and d. Feb. 26th, 1815.— 499. » Walter, b. Aug. 18th, 1767. M.3d,
Sarah St. John, of Norwalk, Conn., Nov. 30th, 1769, she was b. Apr. 15th,
1746, d. Apr. 7th, 1842 (?). Had issue: 500. •Moses, b. Jan. 25th, 1771, d. Oct.
26th, 1851.— 501. 'Priscilla, b. Jan. 22d, 1773, d. May 2d, 1868 (?).— 502. •Wil-
liam, b. Dec. Ist, 1775, d. Nov. 27th, 1805 (?).— 503. •Uriah, b. May 3d, 1778, m.
Mabel Hull (?), who d. Feb. 17th, 1847, aged 70 yrs.— 504. Susannah, b Nov.
15th, 1780, d. Sept. 13th, 1783.-505. •Gershom, b. Jan. 13th, 1783, d. Feb. 1783.
—506. 'Abraham, b. Mar. 27th, 1786.
507 to 514.
186. *Jobn Hubbell,* of Greenfield, Fairfield Co., Conn., b. 1734, d. Mar.
10th, 1810, in Southeast, Putnam Co., N. Y. See p. 77, son of 56. 'Nathan, m.
Eleanor, daughter of Timothy Burr and Sarah Rowland, his wife, Mar. 30th,
1758, she was b. in 1737, d. May 20th, 1772. Had issue: 507. »John, bapt. 1758,
d. young.— 508. •Rachel, bapt. Apr. 13th, 1760, m.Dr. Hosea Hurlbert, of Green-
field, Conn., who d. Apr. 5th, 1825, aged 80 yrs., she d. in Feb., 1819, in Green-
field, Conn. — 509. •Eleanor, b. Apr. 11th, 1762, m. Captain Joseph Buckley, of
Greenfield, Conn. (?), June 2d, 1779, and d. in Poughkeepsie, N Y., Feb., 1819
(on the same day her sister Rachel died.) — 510. •Esther, b. Aug. 18th, 1764, m.
Wakeman Lyon, of Greenfield, Conn., d. Juno 5th, 1851. — 511. •Hannah, b. Aug.
13th, 1766, m. Isaac Wilson, of Fairfield, Conn., d. May 4th, 1847.— 512. »Ezekiel,
b. Apr. 5th, 1768, m. 401. 'Catharine Hubbell.— 513. 'Jonathan, b. May 15th,
1772.— 514. •Pamela, b. May 15th, 1772, m.400. 'Wilson Hubbell.
513 to 522.
190. ♦Peter Hubbell, of NorwaIk,WiIton Parish, Fairfield Co., Conn , b. 1743,
(1. 1826, son of 56. 'Nathan, m. 8arab, daughter of Robert Stuart, of Wilton, Conn.,
Jan. 7lh, 1764. Had issue: 515.^ Matthias.— 516. •Olive.— 517 •Betty, d. young,
—518. 'James.- 519. 'Sarah.— 520. 'Peter, b. May 19th, 1772.— 521. 'Molly,
bapt. Sept. Gth, 1796, d. Jan. 22d, 1848.-522. 'Betty, bapt. June Ist, 1777.
523 to 526.
191. *Abraham Hubbell, of Norwalk, Wilton Parish, Fairfield Co., Conn., b.
1744, d.'May 5th, 1783, in Boston, Mass., of smallpox, son of 56. 'Nathan, m. 1st
* John Ilubbcll married a second wiFe and lired with her in Siiutbeast, PutDtm Countj, New York, where l»e
diid.
ISSUE OF FOURTH GENERATION. 259
Sarah Wakeman, Oct. 25th, 1768, she was b. Feb. 6th, 1748, in Fairfield, Conn.,
d. Apr. 23d, 1772. Had issue: 523. *Eunice, b. July 23d, 1769, in Wilton, Conn.,
d. Sept. 5th, 1769.-523^. "^Eunice, b. Sept. 30th, 1770. in Wilton, Conn., m. Dan-
iel Young and lived in Bridgeport, Conn. M. 2d, Eunice Sterling, July 17th,
1776, she was b. in Stratford, Conn., Aug. 1st, 1751, d. Sept. 5th, 1794. Had
issue: 524. ^Salmon, b. June 8th, 1777, in Stratford, Conn., d. Jan., 1779. — 524fl.
•Isaac, b. Oct, 18th, 1778, in Stratford, Conn., d. at sea May 5th, 1795, on his
passage home from the Bast Indies. — 525. 'Sarah, b. Sept. 9th, 1780, in Strat-
ford, Conn., d. Oct. 30th, 1799.— 526. *Levi, b. Sept. 18th, 1782, in Stratford,
Conn.
527 to 531.
195. ^Joseph Bradley* of Berne. Albany Co., N. Y., b. 1746, d. 1828, son of
59. *01ive, m. Martha, daughter of Eiias Bates, of Fairfield, Fairfield Co., Conn.,
she was b. 1749, and d. in 1836. Had issue : 527. *Isaac, b. 1769. — 528. 'Joseph,
b. 1771.— 529. 'Daniel, b. 1773.-530. 'Thankful, b. 1775, m. Sherwood Fanton,
of Danbury, Conn. — 531. 'Sarah, b. 1777, m. Daniel Holmes, of Danbury,
Conn.
532 to 535.
199. *Aaron Hubbell, of Fairfield, Fairfield Co., Conn., b. 1741, son of 60.
'David (?), m. Marj'^, and had issue: 532. 'Mary, bapt. Nov. 17th, 1768, probably
died in infancy. — 533. 'Mary, bapt. Aug. 19th, 1775. — 534. 'Martha, bapt. Aug.
27th, 1775.— 635. 'David, bapt. Aug. 27 1775.
536 to 640.
200. *Ebenezer Hubbell, of Fairfield, Fairfield Co., Conn. (Was a Captain.)
b. 1744, son of 60. *David, m. Lydia, daughter of Solomon and Deborah Couch,
of Green's Farms, Conn. Had issue : 536. 'Ebenezcr, bapt. Mar. 27th, 1768. —
537. 'Jabez, bapt. Mar. 25th, 1770.-538. 'Lydia, bapt. May 16th, 1773.-539
•Isaac Couch, bapt. June 25th, 1775. — 540. 'Aaron, bapt. Oct. 25th, 1778.
Copied for this work from Records of " Christ Church," Fairfiela, Conn., by
Mrs. Elizabeth Hubbell Schneck, of Southport, Conn.
541 to 645.
201. *David Hubbell,T of Greenfield, Fairfield Co., Conn., b. 1748 (see p. 82),
son of 60. »David, m. Sarah Perry, of Greenfield, Conn., Feb. 28th, 1773.
Had issue: 541. 'Sarah, bapt. May 22d, 1775, d. young. — 542. 'David, bapt.
* In 1791 Joseph Bradlej and his wifti Martha emigrated from Fairfield, Connecticut, to Berne, Alhan j Countj,
New York, where he died In 1828. When the British burnt the town of Fairfield, in 1790, Mrs. Martha Bradley,
with her younger children, was intercepted In her effort to escape from the town, but was protected from Insult by
a guard stationed with her for that purpose. Her husband at the time was in the Continental Army.
t Copied for this work by Mrs. Elieabeth Hubbell Schenck, of Southport, Connecticut, from "(ireenfield
Charch B«cords.'*
26o HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
June 28th, 1778, d. young.— 543. *Sjirah, bapt. June 24th, 1781. — 544, ^Samuel,
bapt; Oct. 5th, 1782, d. young.— 544. ^Harriett, m. William Hojt, of Black
Rock, Dec. 22d, 1814.
54fi and 547.
202. *Jabez Hubbell, of Fairfield, Fairfield Co., Conn, (see p. 80.X b. 1753
d. 1817, son of 60. 'David, m. Rhoda Osborn, Juno 24th, 1779. Had issue:
546. *Sarah, bapt. Jan 28th, 1781.— 547. 'James, bapt. Nov. 3d, 1782.
548 to 555.
203. *Samuel Hilbbell, of Stratford, Fairfield Co., Conn., b. 1754, d. June 23d
1813, son of 61. 'Samuel, m. Mary Beardslee, Jan. i5th, 1777, she was b. May let'
1759, d. July 28th, 1847. Had issue: 548. *William, b. Sept. 15th, 1778, m. Mrs!
Desire Sigley, and d. in Oct., 1809, in Charleston, S. C, no issue. — 549. ^Mary b.
Mar. 17th, 1779, m. Elijah Blackman, d. Nov. 22d, 1809. See Records too late
for classification. — 550. 'Elizabeth, b. Oct. 11th, 1781. — 551. 'Samuel, b. April
17th, 1784, is buried in Pembroke Cemetery, Bridgeport, Conn. — 552. ^fiethia
b. July 11th, 1787, m. Ist, 646. 'Lemuel Hubbell, and second, Ezra Gregory. 553,*
'Abraham, b. 1790.— 554. 'Julia, b. 1792, d. unmarried, Oct. 30th, 1871, aged
78 years and 9 months. — 555. *Su8an,* b. 1798, d. unmarried. Mar. 30th 1874
aged 75 years and 6 months.
556 to 560.
224. *Parnach Hubbell, of New Fairfield, Fairfield Co., Conn., b. 1730 d
1819, son of 76. 'Andrew, m. Lydia. Had issue: 556. *Gideon, b. 1761. 5*57.
*Kzra.— 558. *Noah.— 559. *EIijah.— 560. *Sarah, m. Elijah Beardsley.
561 to 565.
231. *Matthcw Hubbell, of Easton (then Huntington), Fairfield Co. Conn.
(He and his wife are buried in the old graveyard near the railroad), b. 1745, d. April
12th, 1812, son of 76. 'Andrew, m. Abigail Burton, she was b. 1758, d. Feb. 20th
1812. Had issue : 561. ^Gideon Summers, b. July 3d, 1768, d. in Bloomfield, Ohio.—
562. ^Andrew Read.— 563. *David Burton,f ni. Rebecca Sherman, d. Nov. 9th
1825, in his 48th year.— 564. *Ruth, m. Winton, d. Dec. 5th, 1812, in her 34th
year. — 565. ^Hannah, m. Lyon, and d. July 5th, 1846.
566 to 569.
235. *Elnathan Hubbell, of Bennington, Bennington Co., Vt., b. 1742 son
of 79. 'Elnathan, m. Isabella Breckenridge, she was b. Nov. 3d, 1749, in Colrain
* In her Will dated September 17th, 1872, Susan Hubbell, of Stratford, CoDnecticut, left land and orer llS/KM)
as a fund to found a hospital, to be establisht^d and incorporated for the use of the people of Bridgeport Coooecti-
cut, and adjacent towns. She also bequeathed SIOOO to the Summerfield Methodist Church, and rarious sunit to her
relatives.
t David Burton Hubbell and wifo arc burled in Tashun District, Town of Trumbull, Fairfield Couoty 0»d-
niTticnt.
ISSUE OF FOURTH GENERATION. 261
Franklin Co., Mass., probably d. Dec. 4th, 1809. Haid issue: 566. 'James, b.
Oct. 17tb, 1775.— 567. ^Bildad, b. Mar. 26th, 1778, d. unmarried, in Ohio, in 1820.
568. 'Elnathan,* b. July 20th, 1783, was a physician, d. in Brockville, Ontario. —
569. *Beulah, b. Nov. 3d, 1785.
S70 to 5S0.
•
240. *Aaron Hubbell, of Bennington, Bennington Co., Vt., b. 1757, d. Dee.
26th, 1844. See p. 92. Son of 79. 'Elnathan, m. Ist, Sarah, daughter of Captain
Elijah Dewey and granddaughter, of Rev. Mr. Dewe3% on June 27tli, 1782, she
was b. in 1767, rf. April 18th, 1797. Had issue: 570. *Sarah, b. June 20th, 1783.
—571. 'Elizabeth, b. Feb. 24th, 1785. 572. 'Laura, b. Mar. 18th, 1787.— 573.
'Elijah Dewey, b. May 18th, 1790.-574. 'xMaria, b. Oct. 27th, 1792.-575.
'Harriet, b. May 26tb, 1795, d. Aug. 14th, 1797.— M. 2d, I.ucinda Moody,
Mar. Uth, 1798. (She was b. in Woodbury, Conn., Jan. 15th, 1770, moved from
Farmington, Conn., to Bennington, Vt., in 1797). Had issue: 576. 'Harriet, b.
Dec. 12th, 1798.-577. 'Adelia, b. Nov. 25th, 1800.-578. 'Caroline, b. Feb. 21st,
1803, m. Rev. Hollis Read.— 579. 'Catharine Moody, b. Feb. 11th, 1806, m.
Richard Smith, Nov. Ist, L836, no issue. He died Dec. 21st, 1878. She lived
in Sharon, Conn., in 1880.-580. 'Aaron Lewis, b. April 29th, 1811. Mrs.
Lucinda (Moody) Hubbell died in Sharon, Conn., Oct. 3d, 1864, and is buried in
Bennington, Vt.
581 to 588.
242. *Lemuel Hubbell,tof Burlington, Otsego Co., N.Y.,b. 1755, d. April 11th,
1845, son of 79. 'Elnathan, m. Rebecca, daughter of Nathan Clark, President of
the first Committee of Safety, in Bennington, Vt., she was bom Aug. 3d, 1754.
d. Feb. 13th, 1837. Had issue: 581. 'Rebecca, b. Aug. 26th, 1777, m. Uriah
Chapin, d. June 18th, 1825.-582. 'Lemuel, b. May 19th, 1779.— 583. 'Anna, b.
May 21st, 1781, d. Aug. 2d, 1782.— 584. 'Anna, b. June 29th, 1783, m. Gad Chapin,
d. Jan. 11th, 1865.— 585. 'Mehitabel, b. Jan. 23d, 1786, d. Nov. 19th, 1827.-586.
Elijah, b. Mar. 1st, 1788.-587. 'Betsey, b. Feb. 4th, 1792, m. Colonel W. G.
Parker, June 1st, 1843, no issue, and d. Mar. 16th, 1875. — 588. 'Hiram, b. Jan.
20th, 1795, d. Mar. 3l8t, 1853.
589 to 591.
245. *Jobn Hubbell,! of Stratford, Fairfield Co., Conn., b. 1745, d. Feb. 7th,
1808, aged 63 years and 7 days, son of 82. 'Benjamin, m. Elizabeth, daughter of
Joseph and Hannah Brothwell, she was b. Feb. 2d, 1751, d. Mar. 13th, 1840.
* See Records receired too late for classification io Appendix.
t Lsmnel Hubbell mored from liennington, Vermont, to Burlington, Otsego County, New York, in 1793,
where iM bought 150 acres of land for £93. 7s. 6d., on Norember 1st of the same year.
X John Hubbell and 82 'Benjamin Hubbell (bis father) lired on what is now known as Park Avenue. Bridge-
port, Connecticut, a short distance south of the house owned and occupied by Richard Uubbell the First. Their
dwelling was located on ground adjacent to the present (1881) crossing of the New York, New Haven, and Hart-
lord Rnllroed. This situation placed ibeni in Stratfield Parish.
262 HISTORY OF THE HUB BELL FAMILY.
Had iHSue. 589. *Anna, b. 1773.— 590. ^Betsey, b. April 27th, 1777, m. Timothy
Rialey, and d. Jan. 30th, 1867.— 591. *Mary, ra. Yale Ensign Hough, and d.
bofor^ 1880.
Issue of Fiftli Generation.
592 to 396.
247. 'Timothy Hubbell, of Stratford (now Huntington, Upper White Hills),
Fairfield Co., Conn., d. Jan. 12th, 1808, son of 84. *John, m. Abigail, daughter of
David Lake, of Stratford, Conn., she was born May 23d, 1737, d. Aug. 3l8t, 1830.
Had issue : 592. •David, b. Jan. 13th, 1763.-593. •Mary, b. June 3d, 1766, m.
Chatfiold.— 594. •Hannah, b. Mar. 16th, 1768, m. Rev. Stephen Bray.— 695. 'Abi-
gail Ann, b. July 2l8t, 1772, m. Hezekiah Ward, and moved to Ohio. — 696. 'Rich-
ard, b. Oct. 25th, 1774.
597 to 602.
248. *Richard Hubbell,* of Huntingdon (Upper White Hills), Conn., son of
84. *John. Had issue: 597. 'Ezra. Is said to haved. unmarried. — 698. *Samuel.
—599. •Jeremiah (or Nehemiah). (Called " Miah " for short.)— 600. •Robert—
601. •Richard.— 602. •Augustus.
603 to 612.
249. ^Gideon Hubboll, of Huntington (Upper White Hills), Fairfield Co.,
Conn., son of 84. *John, m. Lucy Beardslee. Had issue: 603. •Nathan. — 604.
•Elijah.— 605. 'Silas. Moved to Vt.— 606. •Daniel. Moved to Penn. See Records
too late for classification. — 607. •Samuel. 608. •Roswell. — 609. •Elisha. — 610.
•Phoebe, m. Robert Smith. — 611. •Patty (twin sister to Polly), m. Sperry. — 612.
•Polly (twin sister to Patty), d. unmarried.
613 to 622.
250. *John Hubbell, of Huntingdon (Upper White Hills), Fairfield Co.,
Conn., b. 1751, d. Sept. 22d, 1822 (see p. 83), son of 84, *John, m. Sarah Curtis,
June 28th, 1773, (she d. Nov. 4Lh, 1841, aged 92 yrs.) Had issue: 613. •Betty,
b. July 18th, 1774, m. Lewis Nichols, and moved to Concord, N. Y. — 614. •Charity,
b. Mar. 14th, 1776.— 615. •Christopher, b. Dec. 25th, 1777.— 616. •Sarah, b. Oct.'
I8th, 1779.— 617. •Isaac, b. Feb. 5th, 1782.— 618. •Ruth, b. July I9th, 1784, m.
Hezekiah Buckingham, and d. Oct. 1st, 1841.— 619. •Abijah, b. Mar. 10th, 1787.—
62J. •Hephzibah, b. May 18th, 1789, m. William Tucker.— 621. •Hezekiah, b. July
15th, 1791, d. Sept. 23d, 1792.— 622. •Hezekiah, b. Dec. 25th, 1793.
623 to 632.
251. *Blisha Hubbell, of Huntingdon (Upper White Hills), Fairfield Co.,
Conn., d. Jan. 7th, 182S, son of 84. *John, m. Koziah Curtis, she d. July 23d,
1832, aged 72 yrs. Had issue: 623. •Naboth.— 624. 'James, b. Aug. 22d, 1781.
625. •Philo.— 626. •Anne.— 627. •Agur.— 828. •Eli, d. aged 15 yrs.— 629. •Jere-
miah.— 631). •Hannah.— 631. •Elijah.— 632. •Gideon.
* Was fto " Iron 
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